Description
Book SynopsisDesigned for general readers and scholars, this study explores the Lutheran commentary in Bach's St. John Passion and suggests that fostering hostility to Jews is not its subject or purpose. Also included are a literal, annotated translation of the libretto and an appendix discussing anti-Judaism and Bach's other works.
Trade ReviewThe most important and lasting item to have emerged from this Passion season ... may turn out to be a little book of great complexity by Michael Marissen. ... [It] provides a model of how to deal with a piece of music grown controversial: not through avoidance, not through bowdlerization, but by supplying the richest and most provocative context in which to understand and interpret the work. * James R. Oestreich, The New York Times *
The value of having the libretto, German and English, printed after the essay part of the book, quite apart from the supplementary and supporting material, is considerable * Jewish Culture and History *
Particularly deserving of praise is the fine translation of the Passion text from German * Religious Studies Review *
