Sofia Gubaidulina's "St. John Passion" is a profound and captivating oratorio that delves into the sacred texts of St. John the Evangelist, divided into two powerful sections: "St. John Passion" and "St. John Easter." Composed in 2000 and revised in 2006, this monumental work was commissioned to honor Johann Sebastian Bach, blending the rich traditions of sacred music with Gubaidulina's distinctive avant-garde and minimalist style.
The album, released in 2007, features a stunning array of vocal and instrumental performances, recorded at the prestigious Liederhalle Stuttgart, Beethovensaal. With a duration of over two hours, it offers an immersive experience that explores the depths of human faith, suffering, and redemption. The double chorus, soloists, organ, and orchestra come together to create a sonic landscape that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.
Gubaidulina's unique compositional voice shines through in every track, from the opening "The Word" to the triumphant "The Judgement." The album is a testament to her mastery of form and her ability to weave complex musical narratives that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "St. John Passion" promises an unforgettable journey through the timeless themes of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Tracks
St. John Passion: The Word: Im Anfang war das Wort, und das Wort war bei Gott (Chorus 1, Chorus 2) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: The Washing of Feet: Es war vor dem Paschafest (Bass, Chorus 1, Tenor) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: The Commandment of Faith: Nur eine kurze Zeit, und die Welt wird mich nicht mehr sehen (Bass, Chorus 1, Chorus 2) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: The Commandment of Love: Ich bin der wahre Weinstock, und mein Vater ist der Winzer (Tenor) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: Hope: Heiliger Vater! Du gabst deinem Sohn Macht uber alle Menschen. (Bass, Chorus 1, Chorus 2) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: Liturgy in Heaven: Alliluija, alliluija, alliluija (Baritone, Chorus 1, Soprano, Chorus 2) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: Betrayal, Denial, Flagellation, Condemnation: Nach diesen Worten ging Jesus hinaus mit seinen Jungern (Bass, Tenor, Chorus 2, Soprano, Chorus 1) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: The Way to Golgotha: Sie ubernahmen Jesus and fuhrten ihn ab (Bass, Baritone, Chorus 2, Chorus 1) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: A Woman Clothed with the Sun: Der siebte Engel blies die Posaune (Baritone, Soprano, Chorus 2, Tenor, Chorus 1) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: Entombment: Weil es aber Freitag war und am Sabbat das hohe Paschafest folgte (Bass, Chorus 2, Chorus 1) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Passion: The Seven Bowls of Wrath: Der erste Engel goss seine Schale uber das Land (Baritone, Chorus 1, Chorus 2) [Sung in German]Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Easter Morning: Christus ist auferstanden von den Toten! (Chorus 1, Chorus 2)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Mary Magdalene: Am ersten Tag der Woche kam Maria Magdalena fruhmorgens zum Grab (Bass, Soprano, Chorus 1, Chorus 2)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's First Appearance to his Disciples: Receive the Holy Spirit: Es war am Abend jenes Tages (Bass, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Soprano)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's First Appearance to his Disciples: I will not Believe: Thomas aber, einer der zwolf Junger, war nicht bei ihnen (Bass, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: The Rider on a White Horse: Und dann sah ich (Baritone, Tenor, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Soprano)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's Second Appearance to his Disciples: Do not Doubt: Und nach acht Tagen erschien Jesus erneut und sprach (Bass)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: InterludeSofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's Second Appearance to his Disciples: I am the Living Bread: Ich bin das lebendige Brot, das vom Himmel gekommen ist (Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Tenor)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's Second Appearance to his Disciples: The Darkness Is Passing Away: Die Finsternis vergeht, und sogleich scheint das wahre (Soprano, Chorus 1, Tenor)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's Third Appearance to his Disciples: Farewell: Und nach Vollendung der tausend Jahre wird Satan wieder (Chorus 2, Bass, Baritone, Chorus 1, Tenor, Soprano)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: The Judgement: Alliluija, alliluija, alliluija (Chorus 1, Chorus 2)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
St. John Easter: Christ's Third Appearance to his Disciples: I Saw a New Heaven and a New Earth: Christus ist auferstanden von den Toten! (Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Baritone, Tenor)Sofia Gubaidulina, Julia Sukmanova, Corby Welch, Bernd Valentin, Nicholas Isherwood, Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Musikhochschule Trossingen Kammerchor, Radio Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR, Helmuth Rilling
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