Pearls of the Season by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Meetings with the most famous bands of early music are an inherent tradition of the Lenten and Easter period in NOSPR. This year the Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment will return to Katowice, and in their interpretation we will hear the Bach Passion according to St. John.

The text of the Gospel according to St. John differs somewhat from the other three, in which the suffering of Jesus sometimes takes on a very human dimension. In the account of John, the divine origin of the Messiah is much more clearly emphasized; there is more contemplation and metaphysical symbolism here.

Interestingly, Bach's dramaturgic construction brings out completely different aspects — it is the Passion according to St. John that contains many theatrical gestures, tensions and contrasts. Her narrative is more condensed and direct, although there is no shortage of poignant arias and emotional chants.

Szymon Maliszewski

Performers: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment; Choir of the Age of Enlightenment; Hilary Cronin — soprano; Helen Charlston — mezzo-soprano; Hugo Hymas — tenor; Nick Pritchard — tenor (Evangelist); Raoul Steffani — baritone (Christ); Florian Störtz — bass-baritone

Program: Johann Sebastian Bach — The Passion of St. John BWV 245