Bach's St. John Passion for the Twenty-First Century

Since its composition and first performance in 1724, Bach's St. John Passion has captured the spiritual and musical attention of musicians, audiences, and congregations. This bookexamines this monumental work from a twenty-first century perspective, providing a new and comprehensive examination of the music and libretto.
Michael Fuchs and Bradley Jenson explore the historical context of the work as well as its performance history and practice. They address important questions regarding the Gospel of John, Martin Luther's theology, and anti-Judaism and antisemitism in the libretto. Combining expert theological and musical analysis, as well as a new English translation, this bookis a useful resource for students, musicians, and scholars while being accessible to general audiences with a strong interest in the music of J.S. Bach, highlighting the composer's compositional creativity.

Michael Fuchs is director of choral activities and associate professor of music at the University of Wisconsin, Superior. Dr. Fuchs is also the director of choral activities at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota.
Rev. Bradley C. Jenson is an ordained minister for over thirty years. He is the author of Luther and Bach on the Magnificat: For Advent and Christmas.

Foreword by Christoph Wolff
Preface
Chapter One The St. John Passion: Historical Context and 21st-Century Relevance
Chapter Two Interpreting the St. John Passion Libretto for the 21st Century
Chapter Three Performance History and Practice
Chapter Four Bach's Musical Composition
Chapter Five Responding to Questions About Antisemitism and Anti-Judaism in the St. John Passion
Bibliography