Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion, BWV 245, is a significant sacred oratorio composed for Good Friday vespers in 1724. The work, based on the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, is one of Bach's two surviving Passions, the other being the St. Matthew Passion. The St. John Passion is known for its dramatic intensity and deep emotional expression, featuring a mix of choruses, chorales, arias, and recitatives. It incorporates Lutheran hymn tunes and poignant texts, reflecting Bach's profound faith and mastery in conveying theological themes through music. The oratorio is performed worldwide, particularly during the Lenten season, and remains a cornerstone of the choral repertoire.

The learning files are broken up into two sections:

• Section 1S1:   Choral Movements 1-34
• Section 2S2:   Choral Movements 36-68

To start practicing, select a section, then select your vocal part. Playback will start automatically. Sing easy. Practicing independently does not need to sound beautiful and should never strain your voice. Your choral conductor will appreciate the time you took to master the notes and rhythm.