medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
"John B. Dillon" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Medieval passion plays are intimately connected with a broader tradition of
Mary's lament (_planctus Marie_; _Marienklage_) under the Cross and at least
usually offer versions of this widespread literary type.
it has always seemed to me that J.S. Bach's "Passions" and many of his
(hundreds of) Cantatas are comming out this living tradition --though i know
nothing about their original "performance practice", i.e., whether or not the
music was accompanied by the characters "acting" out their parts as well as
singing them.
it is hard to listen to many of the movements in many Cantatas without wanting
to "dance" --or, at least, wanting to see the singer(s) as "dancing".
in any event, the lovely, (quite literally) heart-rending aria "Zerfliesse,
mein Herze" near the end of the _St. John's Passion_ surely is part of the
_planctus Marie_ tradition you note.
a version of it is on-line, in a not-too-bad performance (but with an electric
recorder instead of a soprano!!), here
http://www.classicalarchives.com/bachsacr.html
(search on "Zerfliesse" --you'll have to sign up as, at least, a "free
member", but that site is well worth the price.)
certainly one of the most moving and powerful pieces J.S. ever wrote.
best from here,
christopher
Christopher's Book Room
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