Minasi / Bach: St. Matthew Passion

As part of the Symphonic Music Season at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Bach's St. Matthew Passion will be performed on April 2, 3, and 4. The Orchestra and Chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, conducted by Riccardo Minasi, one of the most sought-after Italian conductors on the international scene, are joined by a cast of top-notch soloists. At the centre of the narrative is the figure of the Evangelist, pivotal to the dramatic action, performed by English tenor James Gilchrist; while American bass Cody Quattlebaum portrays Jesus, conveying both the solemnity and humanity of the character. The international cast is rounded out by soprano Jane Archibald, contralto Sophie Rennert, tenor Linard Vrielink, and bass Edwin Crossley-Mercer.

The work, a sacred composition written by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 -1750) in 1727, is a musical transposition of chapters 26 and 27 of the Gospel of Matthew in Martin Luther's German translation, interspersed with chorales and arias based on a libretto by Picander. As with other oratorio-style Passions common in the late 17th century, Bach's staging presents the Gospel text of Matthew in a fairly simple manner, primarily through recitative, while the arias and ariosos employ a commentary, nonetheless inspired by biblical events.

The St. Matthew Passion is not only the story of Christ's final hours, but an immense theatrical drama about humanity, pain, betrayal, and hope. In the work, the composer alternates the Gospel narrative with moments of intimate reflection, entrusted to the wonderful choral passages and poignant solo arias, for a concert taking place during Holy Week.

National Academy of Santa Cecilia - Symphonic Music Season - Auditorium Parco della Musica - Rome.

Orchestra, Chorus, and Children's Choir of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia

Conductor: Riccardo Minasi
Bass: Cody Quattlebaum (Jesus)
Tenor: James Gilchrist (Evangelist)
Soprano: Jane Archibald
Contralto: Sophie Rennert
Tenor: Linard Vrielink (arias)
Bass: Edwin Crossley-Mercer (arias)
Chorus Master: Andrea Secchi
Chief: Children's Choir Master: Claudia Morelli

Photo: the Auditorium Parco della Musica official site