La Opera's St. Matthew Passion: A Sacred Work in Opera Form

For nearly three decades, Johann Sebastian Bach twiddled away on the organ loft of First Lutheran Church in Leipzig, producing hundreds of musical works that spanned a wide range of styles. Despite his impressive output, Bach remained relatively unknown during his lifetime. My own intellectual curiosity about this renowned composer was limited to his Cello Concertos, which I adore, as well as his Brandenburgs and Goldbergs, with which I have a passing familiarity. Moreover, I had the privilege of singing in his Magnificat with my Baltimore Symphony Chorus.

Recently, I had the opportunity to engage with Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred work, St. Matthew Passion, when LA Opera presented it at the Music Center. The event sparked an intellectual curiosity that led me to explore the legitimacy of opera companies performing staged ballets of sacred works. In this article, I will delve into the complexities surrounding the performance of sacred music in an opera setting.

In a pre-recorded lecture, LA Opera's Music Director James Conlon addressed this very issue. He argued that it is indeed legitimate for opera companies to perform sacred works like St. Matthew Passion staged as ballets. According to Conlon, the essence of Bach's music lies not only in its sacred context but also in its universal themes and emotions.

Saturday night's performance at the Music Center was a testament to the power of Bach's music, which transcends time and cultural boundaries. The pre-game lecture by Conlon was launched from the Jumbotrons on the plaza, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and reflection.

In conclusion, LA Opera's St. Matthew Passion is a sacred work that has been reimagined in an opera format, showcasing Bach's timeless genius to a new generation of music lovers. The performance highlights the importance of artistic innovation and creativity, while also celebrating the enduring legacy of this magnificent composer.

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