Bach – St Matthew Passion Highlights CD, 25 Excerpts

An encounter with Bach’s memorable moments

Some passages capture your attention from the opening notes; others reveal their beauty over repeated listens. This St Matthew Passion highlights CD invites you to discover both in the world of Johann Sebastian Bach. Its 25 tracks bring dramatic and contemplative music together in a programme to explore at your own pace.

Choruses, arias and recitatives full of expression

From Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen to the closing chorus Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder, the programme explores key moments including Erbarme dich and Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben. Chorus Musicus and Das Neue Orchester, conducted by Christoph Spering, give voice and instrumental colour to these pages.

A musical reflection on the Passion of Christ

The St Matthew Passion sets the final events of Christ’s life within the Gospel narrative. Arias and chorales make room for compassion, prayer and personal reflection. Whether you are drawn by its Christian meaning or the beauty of Bach’s writing, this selection offers a welcoming way into a major work.

Listen at home, share or give thoughtfully

Set aside an evening for music, enjoy an excerpt after spiritual reading or share the discovery with someone close to you. This highlights edition gathers selected passages, inviting first-time listening and the pleasure of returning to favourites. A thoughtful Christmas, birthday or Holy Week gift for lovers of vocal and sacred music.

Complete CD programme: 25 excerpts with timings

1. Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen — 7:47
2. Du lieber Heiland du — 1:04
3. Buß und Reu — 3:14
4. Blute nur, du liebes Herz — 3:22
5. Ich bin’s, ich sollte büßen — 1:12
6. O Schmerz! — 2:22
7. Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen — 6:38
8. Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit — 1:35
9. So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen — 4:57
10. O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß — 6:43
11. Ach, nun ist mein Jesus hin — 4:39
12. Wer hat dich so geschlagen — 1:17
13. Erbarme dich — 6:31
14. Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder — 2:47
15. Er hat uns allen wohlgetan — 1:09
16. Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben — 4:14
17. Sie schrieen aber noch mehr — 0:21
18. Erbarm es Gott! — 1:45
19. O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden — 1:42
20. Ach Golgatha, unsel’ges Golgatha — 1:30
21. Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss — 1:07
22. Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen — 0:35
23. Am Abend, da es kühle war — 2:00
24. Mache dich, mein Herze, rein — 3:00
25. Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder — 6:07

Questions about your Bach Highlights CD

Does this CD contain the complete Passion?

It presents 25 selected excerpts from the St Matthew Passion, as indicated by the word Highlights.

Who conducts this recording?

Christoph Spering conducts Chorus Musicus and Das Neue Orchester.

Do I need to know the work to enjoy this disc?

No. The variety of arias and choruses welcomes new listeners while giving enthusiasts familiar passages to revisit.