Sebastiani: Matthäus Passion

Immerse yourself in the profound and moving world of Johann Sebastiani's "Matthäus Passion," a masterful rendition of the St. Matthew Passion released in 2018 under the CPO label. This album is a testament to the rich musical culture of Königsberg, paying homage to Sebastiani's significant contributions to its heritage. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through the passion narrative, featuring 33 tracks that intricately weave together the story of Christ's final days.

Sebastiani's work is notable for its inclusion of eight distinct chorale melodies and thirteen chorale verses, adding depth and variety to the composition. The album showcases the collaboration of renowned musical directors Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs, whose expertise brings out the sublime qualities of Sebastiani's early setting of the St. Matthew Passion. The Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra, under the leadership of Paul O'Dette, delivers a performance that is both historically informed and deeply resonant.

From the opening "Symphonia und Chor" to the closing "Was soll ich, liebster Jesu du," each track is a testament to Sebastiani's compositional skill and the emotional weight of the passion narrative. The album is a must-listen for those interested in early music and the rich tradition of passion settings. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or new to the genre, "Matthäus Passion" offers a powerful and engaging exploration of one of the most significant stories in Christian tradition.