St Matthew Passion. Early version (BWV 244b) (Full Score, hardback)

J S Bach St Matthew Passion. Early version (BWV 244b) (Full Score hardback)

Bach’s St. Matthew Passion as we know it today evidently had a long history dating back before 1727.  It is unclear whether the work performed at the Thomaskirche on Good Friday 1729 was based on a still earlier version.  Whatever the case, the surviving version of 1729 presents the work in a form strikingly different from its later incarnation.  For example, the opening section ends with the chorale “ Jesum lass ich nicht von mir ” which was replaced by the large-scale cantus firmus chorus “O Mensch , bewein dein Sünde gross” for the 1736 performance.

The well-known alto aria “Ach! nun ist mein Jesus hin ” is still assigned to a bass in the earlier version, and the aria “ Komm süsses Kreuz ” calls for a lute instead of the later viola da gamba.  Moreover, the pieces for double chorus only require a single continuo group. 

Other differences can be found in the instrumental scoring and voice-leading.  The early version of the St. Matthew Passion is thus a most interesting addition to the great concert repertoire.

- New Bach Edition Series II/5b

- Attractive alternative to the well-known St. Matthew Passion

- Urtext from the “New Bach Edition”

- Straightforward and easy-to-play piano reduction in the vocal score

- Unique to the market

- Full score (BA5099-01), performance material (BA5099) and vocal score (BA5099-90) available for sale

- Format 33,1 x 25,6 cm