The final chorus ‘Ruht wohl’ from the St John Passion is an impressive musical work of art that radiates deep emotion. The A section appears again and again in subtle, barely perceptible variations and contains a catchy tune that captivates with its balanced intervals. The multitude of descending figures symbolises the burial, while ascending motifs open the view to heaven. Emotions and reason, fantasy and structure, harmony and counterpoint, life and death unfold in this music. Unusually, Bach does not end with this magical movement, but instead chooses the optimistic final chorale ‘Ach Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein’. This gem is captivating in its absolute simplicity and beauty. Bart Spanhove has arranged these two movements for recorder orchestra (AA TTT BB GbGb Sb) - an enchanting sound result thanks to the use of many low instruments.
Scores and parts, that can be used as originals for copies.
Moeck Publishing EM3364