Johann Sebastian Bach's St John Passion - Genesis, Transmission, and Meaning (Electronic book text)

Preface 1. Genesis Introduction. Did Bach compose a Passion before 1724? 1. Version I (1724) 2. Version II (1725) 3. Version III (c. 1730) 4. Version IV (c. 1749) 5. Score A 2. Transmission 1. The lost original score X (1724?) 2. The revised score (source A, c. 1739-1749) 3. The original parts: Introduction; Set I; Set II; Set III; Set IV; Parts no longer extant 3. Meaning 1. Protestant settings of the Passion 2. The text of the St John Passion: a. The depiction of the Passion in the Gospel according to St John; b. The Gospel text; c. The chorale verses; d. The free poetry 3. Bach's music: a. The setting of the biblical narrative; b. The chorale movements; c. The choruses; d. The arias and ariosos 4. Problms associated with the overall formal design and the different versions 5. Performance practice: a. General remarks; b. The execution of the continuo; c. Specific problems Appendices: Problematical Points Appendix I The participation of transverse flutes in Version I Appendix II The reconstruction of Movement 33 in Version I Appendix III The chronology of the Passions Bach performed in Leipzig Appendix IV The problem of symmetry in Bach's work Bibliography Picture Credits Text of the St John Passion (German & English)