Markus-Passion

The Markus-Passion, attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, is a reconstruction of a lost work that holds a unique place in musicology. Since the original score of Bach’s St Mark Passion did not survive, music historians have long sought to piece it together by repurposing his existing cantatas and other works that would have likely been included in the original performance. This 2010 release by Brilliant Classics presents a scholarly effort to restore the work's intended structure, providing listeners with a compelling approximation of a masterpiece that was feared lost to time.

The recording features the European Union Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Roy Goodman, alongside a cast of distinguished vocalists such as Rogers Covey-Crump and Paul Agnew. The production utilizes period-accurate instrumentation and performance practices intended to evoke the authentic textures of the eighteenth century. Upon its release, the recording was recognized for its dedication to historical inquiry and the clarity of its ensemble work, offering both scholars and casual listeners a thoughtful window into the complexities of the Baroque liturgical tradition.