While Bach’s passions are arguably operas in their own right, it is of course well-known that Johann Sebastian Bach never wrote for the theatre. Our project naturally focuses its attention on the stage, but Easter gives us the opportunity to assure you that we will find ways of performing, not just Bach, but also the great tradition of the Italian oratorio, which is hugely underperformed and far too often overlooked. One current proposal would be to host a festival of oratorio (and of course wider sacred music) during Lent leading us right up to Easter.

In this light, we wanted to share with you one of Stefano Patuzzi’s (our Director of Research) favourite recordings: Bach’s “St Matthew Passion” (1727), performed here by Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort. It’s always fascinating to remember that while Bach was at the height of his success in Germany so too was the Teatro San Cassiano in Venice.

St Matthew Passion, BWV244

Wishing you a Happy Easter from all the team at the Teatro San Cassiano project.