Passion Sunday Concert
Marking the beginning of Passiontide.
Membra Jesu Nostri patientis sanctissima (BuxWV 075) by Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1708)
Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu nostri patientis sanctissima (The Most Holy Limbs of Our Suffering Jesus) contemplates seven parts of Christ’s crucified body – his pierced feet, bent knees, bleeding hands, wounded side, revered breast, loving heart, and thorn-crowned face. Combining vivid texts with intensely expressive music, each of the seven movements contains a central aria, framed with a sacred concerto for voices and instruments, setting a biblical text chosen to complement the devotional poetry. This hour-long musical journey provides a fitting meditation on the Passion of Christ.
Our performers include internationally known singers Sarah Brailey (The New York Times: “radiant, liquid tone,” “exquisitely phrased,” “sweetly dazzling singing”; Opera UK: “a sound of remarkable purity.”), Clara Osowski (UK Telegraph: “[she sings] … from inside the music with unaffected purity and sincerity”) and Andrew Kane, well known American baritone.
Dieterich Buxtehude Biography
A prominent figure of the Baroque period, Dieterich Buxtehude was a Danish composer and organist. He was baptized in 1637 and passed away at the age of 70 in 1707. Buxtehude’s works are representative of the North German organ school and his exceptional talent in composing for various vocal and instrumental styles has influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. His contributions to music have earned him a position as one of the most significant composers of the 17th century.