Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Sofia Gubaidulina's "St. John Passion," a captivating exploration of avant-garde and minimalist musical traditions. Released on January 1, 2007, under the haenssler CLASSIC label, this album is a testament to Gubaidulina's unique compositional voice, blending sacred themes with contemporary musical innovation.
Spanning over two hours, this ambitious work is a setting of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John, sung in German. The album is divided into two main parts: "St. John Passion" and "St. John Easter," each offering a rich tapestry of choral and solo vocal performances, interwoven with evocative instrumental passages. The piece is scored for two choirs, soloists (bass, baritone, tenor, and soprano), and a chamber orchestra, creating a dynamic and immersive soundscape.
Gubaidulina's composition is notable for its intricate polyphony, rhythmic complexity, and the use of silence as a powerful expressive tool. The album's minimalist elements are balanced by moments of lush harmonies and dramatic intensity, reflecting the spiritual depth and emotional resonance of the Passion narrative.
"St. John Passion" is not just a musical work but a profound meditation on faith, suffering, and redemption. Gubaidulina's masterful blend of traditional and modern musical languages makes this album a compelling listen for those interested in contemporary classical music and sacred choral works. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Gubaidulina's music or a newcomer to her oeuvre, this album offers a deeply moving and intellectually stimulating experience.
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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