fter my enthusiastic coverage of the Fresno Master Chorale’s performance of Bach’s “St. John Passion,” I received another view from a reader. (The reader, a longtime community member, opted not to include a name because of the aggressive online environment regarding issues of faith and religion.) Here’s the letter.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]I saw your review of the Bach piece last Sunday. I was most distressed to find an old fashioned passion play. I had hoped to enjoy the lovely music and not see a stiff, odd, visual acting out of the crucifixion.[/perfectpullquote]
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]I understand that this was a Bach Passion Play, but with the archaic blame for the crucifixion placed firmly on Jews, many pogroms were the result through history. Most passion plays have been banned in Europe due to its racial animus nature.[/perfectpullquote]
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]As a Jew, I found this performance very painful. I understand it is a very meaningful expression for Christians, but the play belongs in the church. The music belongs to history and the world, now. The production seemed more than a play, but an actual religious service. Needless to say, I could not sit through the second part and left.[/perfectpullquote]
My response
Here’s what I wrote in return:
Thank you for taking the time to tell me of your reaction to the concert.
The objections you raise, to tell you honestly, never even crossed my mind. That says something about my own background and experiences. I was aware that Passion plays were considered anti-Semitic, but I somehow never made the connection between the semi-staging of Bach’s piece and Passion plays themselves. Again, that lack of recognition is a result of my lack of awareness. (I was raised Presbyterian, and we never had Passion plays, nor have I ever experienced one.) Now that you point it out, I see that, of course, this did become a “play” when the decision was made to stage it.
I’ve since learned that changes have been made to the St. John Passion in recent years to lessen the anti-Semitic element and that the Fresno version incorporated those changes. Still, I’m not in your shoes, and it’s clear you were offended. I’m sorry for that.
The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.