By Iona MayallBy Iona Mayall

What is Passion?What is Passion?

Passion is a type of oratorio dealing with the Passion is a type of oratorio dealing with the story of the Crucifixion as told by the four story of the Crucifixion as told by the four apostles (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). apostles (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Text is in German and features chorales as Text is in German and features chorales as well as recitatives, arias and choruses. well as recitatives, arias and choruses.

It is properly performed during Holy Week.It is properly performed during Holy Week. It covers the Passion of Jesus, the events It covers the Passion of Jesus, the events

leading up to the Crucifixion of Jesus, and leading up to the Crucifixion of Jesus, and emphasises his suffering. emphasises his suffering.

Features of PassionFeatures of Passion

Chorale-A German hymn tune. Written Chorale-A German hymn tune. Written in four parts for soprano, alto, tenor and in four parts for soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Usually homophonic in texture.bass. Usually homophonic in texture.

Aria-A song in opera with an orchestra.Aria-A song in opera with an orchestra. Recitative-A type of vocal writing where Recitative-A type of vocal writing where

music follows the rhythm of speech.music follows the rhythm of speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_LLFfFXaUA

This one is This one is from the from the Baroque Baroque Period.Period.