Easter Oratorio: explanatory notes

The Easter tradition in the time of J.S. Bach

When one speaks of Easter, one speaks of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750). Whether religious or not, for many people his musical interpretations of the biblical Passion narrative form part of an annual tradition. With his St Matthew and St John Passions, Bach therefore composed two of the greatest liturgical works for Good Friday. Less well-known and less extensive is his Easter Oratorio, intended for Easter Sunday. The suffering depicted in the Passions gives way to joyful tones: exuberant choruses and jubilant soloists sing of the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

explanatory notes by Aurélie Walschaert