5 Things to Know About Bach’s St. Matthew Passion

It dramatizes the crucifixion story from the Gospel of Matthew The work sets chapters 26 and 27 of Matthew’s Gospel to music, with the text sung in German.

It uses a double choir and double orchestra Two separate choirs and orchestras perform in dialogue, creating a stereo effect that represents different groups in the story.

It includes chorales for the congregation Bach inserted simple hymn tunes that the congregation would have known, inviting them to participate in the passion narrative.

It features an evangelist as the main narrator A tenor soloist sings the role of the Evangelist, recounting the biblical events in recitative style.

It is widely considered one of the greatest works of sacred music Music scholars and critics consistently rank it among the most profound and emotionally powerful compositions in the classical repertoire.