05.03.2020
St. Matthew Passion
The St. Matthew Passion for soloists, choir, and orchestra will be performed at the Mikhailovsky Theatre on 13 April. This oratorio by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), a musical reflection on Christ’s Passion, is now a traditional part of our Lenten programme. The account of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew and consists of four parts: Last Supper, Judgement, Crucifixion, and Burial. The composition comprises orchestral fugues, chorales, recitatives, and arias for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, and features texts from the Orthodox liturgy. Experts have cited Metropolitan Hilarion’s work as an valuable example of how the barriers between sacred and secular music can be broken down.
“The influence of Bach is right there in the title,” commented Metropolitan Hilarion, describing how his St. Matthew Passion came to be written. “There is influence from Russian church music too, but also echoes of the styles of later composers, in particular Shostakovich and Prokofiev.” Metropolitan Hilarion’s work has been composed in the best academic tradition, but can still be understood by ordinary listeners who do not consider themselves devotees of ‘elitist’ contemporary music, which is often intended for intellectual rather than spontaneous appreciation.
The world première of the St. Matthew Passion took place in 2007 and it was first performed at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in 2017. Many of our regular theatregoers who came to that first performance have made sure to attend subsequent ones, as their reactions on social media illustrate: “Thank you for this Lenten gift! I was in floods of tears the whole time. It was as if I had lived through Holy Week in two hours! I thought it would be a great idea to make it a tradition and perform this spiritual oratorio every year during Lent,” wrote Natalya. “Wonderful! I hope to see this masterpiece again next year! Such a sublime festive atmosphere!” said Anastasia. “A huge thank you. It was truly divine,” agreed Marianna. Galina also expressed her gratitude: “The performance was splendid, and left a very powerful impression. Thanks to our beloved theatre, the orchestra, choir, and soloists, and everyone who gave us the opportunity to see and hear it.”
On 13 April Metropolitan Hilarion’s composition will be conducted by Andrei Petrenko. The text will be read by Protodeacon Viktor Shilovsky.
“The influence of Bach is right there in the title,” commented Metropolitan Hilarion, describing how his St. Matthew Passion came to be written. “There is influence from Russian church music too, but also echoes of the styles of later composers, in particular Shostakovich and Prokofiev.” Metropolitan Hilarion’s work has been composed in the best academic tradition, but can still be understood by ordinary listeners who do not consider themselves devotees of ‘elitist’ contemporary music, which is often intended for intellectual rather than spontaneous appreciation.
The world première of the St. Matthew Passion took place in 2007 and it was first performed at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in 2017. Many of our regular theatregoers who came to that first performance have made sure to attend subsequent ones, as their reactions on social media illustrate: “Thank you for this Lenten gift! I was in floods of tears the whole time. It was as if I had lived through Holy Week in two hours! I thought it would be a great idea to make it a tradition and perform this spiritual oratorio every year during Lent,” wrote Natalya. “Wonderful! I hope to see this masterpiece again next year! Such a sublime festive atmosphere!” said Anastasia. “A huge thank you. It was truly divine,” agreed Marianna. Galina also expressed her gratitude: “The performance was splendid, and left a very powerful impression. Thanks to our beloved theatre, the orchestra, choir, and soloists, and everyone who gave us the opportunity to see and hear it.”
On 13 April Metropolitan Hilarion’s composition will be conducted by Andrei Petrenko. The text will be read by Protodeacon Viktor Shilovsky.
