Bach: “St Matthew Passion“ Part II (Live, 1966)

Here is rare video footage from a performance of Bach’s great masterpiece the Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244. Sadly, only Part II of this performance seems to have survived. The Netherlands Bach Society has a very long tradition of performing the Matthew Passion annually. This performance of the Passion was led by Charles de Wolff, a student and successor of Anthon van der Horst. The credits at the end of the video identify all the musicians. Tenor Tom Brand sings the role of the Evangelist with Bernard Kruysen singing the words of Jesus. Other soloists include Elly Ameling soprano; Aafje Heynis, contralto, Naan Põld, tenor and Peter van der Bilt, bass. This performance was telecast on Good Friday, April 8, 1966. Here is a link to an earlier performance from 1957 with Anthon van der Horst conducting and Tom Brand again as Evangelist: Here is a link to my Anthon van der Horst playlist: