St John Passion, BWV 245 - stage production

Festival Ljubljana 2010

Schleswig Holstein Music Festival Orchestra and Choir

Conductor: Rolf Beck
Stage Director and Choreographer: Robert Wilson

Aneta Mihaljova, soprano
Sophie Harmsen, mezzo-soprano
Eric Stoklossa, tenor
Wiard Witholt, bass
Pilatus: Christian von Oldenburg, baritone
Jesus : Dominik Köninger, baritone
Evangelist: Kęstutis Alčauskis, tenor

Bach’s monumental work, first performed in 1724 during the first year of the composer’s service in Leipzig, is attractive not only to the fantasy of musicians but also to the ideas of choreographers and stage directors. Thus in Ljubljana we will have an opportunity to experience something special: a stage performance of the St John Passion directed by Robert Wilson. This celebrated creation by the internationally acclaimed American director promises the experience of a complete artwork of the highest aesthetic value and emotional power, as if made to measure for Bach’s dramatic setting of ‘the gospel of all gospels’. With its mysterious musical figures today Bach’s work is a magnet for the musical ‘detective’ and a catharsis for any listener with a musical ear. The guiding light of the musical setting and of the selected texts (the author of the entire libretto is not known) is glorification; suffering is just one part of the mission, just a stone on the cobbled road to the goal.

Brigita Rovšek