
Image from carshaltonchoral.org.uk
Easter is a time to remember the sacrifice and suffering of Christ, when he was crucified.
The Passions is a text covering Jesus's final days, from his visit to Jerusalem leading up to his crucifixion. Many composers have re-told this story through choral music, including Johann Sebastian Bach. He is believed to have written five Passions, but only two have survived: that of St John and that of St Matthew. St Matthew's Passion is set between the period of Gospel text of Matthew 26–2, and is unique in that Bach composed it for a double choir. It was not much heard outside of Leipzig until, and even then only abbreviated versions were performed. However, Mendelssohn's revived interest in the late composer, and brought
St Matthew's Passion to a wider audience, so that it holds world wide acclaim to this day.
You can listen to
St Matthew's Passion for yourself at Carshalton All Saints Church on the 12th April when it is performed by the
Carshalton Choral Choir and West Barnes Singers.
Tickets are £15 for adults and free for children; the performance starts 6.30pm.