Congregation as Greek Chorus

Bach's intention is that the congregation sing with the Choir during the St. Matthew Passion chorales. Before each service the congregation and the Choir will rehearse the chorales. The rehearsal is a transitional moment when the church prepares to assume its role in the great drama commenting and reacting, like a Greek chorus, to the appalling and gripping drama unfolding in front of it. The Choir will serve as unruly mobs of outraged citizens, as disciples, as High Priests. The congregation, as the bride of Christ, the Church, the daughter of Zion, rather than being passive observer will participate in the drama and, I hope, make a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage to the Cross, that will be at once deeply personal and communally shared.