Johannes-Passion BWV 245 (Passio Secundum Joannem)

The Johannes-Passion, or St John Passion, was originally composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1724 for Good Friday vespers in Leipzig. This 1984 ETERNA recording captures the deep-rooted tradition of the Thomanerchor, the boys' choir historically led by Bach himself. Produced under the state-run East German record label ETERNA, the release represents a significant moment in the preservation of German liturgical music during the late twentieth century, utilizing the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig to achieve a historically informed yet classically symphonic sound.

The performance features a notable cast of vocalists, including Peter Schreier, who was internationally celebrated for his interpretative depth in Bach's sacred works. Under the direction of cantor Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, the recording aimed to emphasize the emotional gravity and dramatic narrative structure of the passion. The ETERNA pressing is widely regarded by collectors for its technical fidelity and its status as a document of the Leipzig musical tradition, capturing a specific era of performance practice that balanced archival respect with the high production standards of the label.