Matthäus-Passion

The Matthäus-Passion, or St Matthew Passion, represents one of the cornerstones of Western sacred music, originally composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in the 18th century. By the time this edition was published by Steyrermühl-Verlag in 1885, the work had undergone a major 19th-century revival, famously spearheaded by Felix Mendelssohn in 1829. This renewed interest solidified Bach's position as a foundational figure in music history and spurred a demand for printed scores that were accessible to a growing public of amateur musicians and concert-goers.

Steyrermühl-Verlag, based in Vienna, was an active publisher that sought to capitalize on the increasing popularity of classical masterworks among the middle class. By issuing this edition in 1885, they provided a relatively affordable entry point for the study and performance of the Passion. The design reflected the functional aesthetic of the late 19th-century German publishing tradition, focusing on clear, readable typography and structured musical notation suitable for domestic or choral group study rather than the ornamental high-end editions typically reserved for wealthy libraries.