Passions in excerpt

In a message dated 11/26/03 9:02:44 PM, John Howell writes:

<< I wouldn't expect it to work with the Passions.  It is, after all, an

ongoing story line, and the choruses (except for the opening and

closing, of course) are simply interjections by the turba.  They are

not written to be self-contained, and they are not.  The chorales,

while beautiful, lose their special meaning when they are separated

from the story line. >>

The manner in which I would use choruses, chorales or solos form the Passions
would be as interjected in the Passion story on Passion Sunday, so they are
not separated from the story line Since I have been at my current position, we
have always used some musical interjections as reflective of the reading
throughout the Passion reading.  We have used such pieces as "Drop, Drop, Slow
Tears" Gibbons, "When Jesus Wept" Billings, "What Have We Done" (African chant).
And actually, some of the chorales from the Passions have been perfect for
that.

I would like to try "Mein teurer Heiland" or "Ruht Wohl" from the St. John,
at the end of the Passion reading, or either of the last two choruses from the
Matthew Passion, again at the end of the reading.  Or, I think it might be
interesting to use the first chorus from either of those passions prior to the
reading of the story.  For our congregation, since we begin that day with the
ride into Jerusalem, I am always searching for music that will help ease the
transition into the Passion story from the elation of the "Hosanna, blessed is He
who comes in the name of the Lord".

So, I have heard from one person who has used the solos, and one who would
just say "no", but I wonder if anyone has tried something like this (and I do
know that most of us don't have time to think of it during Advent and Christmas,
but if you have and when you have a moment to speak up, I am beginning the
planning for Lent and would love to hear from you).

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating!

Nan Beth Walton
Faith Lutheran Church
Seattle Bach Choir
Seattle, WA