Led by Paul Westermeyer and John Setterlund, this six week course will probe individual sections of Bach’s Passion,  traditions and compositions that preceded it, the unique perspective of St. John’s gospel account and its perceived anti-Semitism. We will also look at adaptations of this Passion and Bach’s other works, and issues involved in performing it in the present day. Discussions will be accompanied with listening sessions of recorded performances, optional supplementary reading suggestions, and of course, Lutheran coffee.

Dates: Mondays, January 14 through February 18 at 6:30 pm

Cost: $20

This event is motivated by two professional presentations of the Passion this year:

• St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Singers: November 2-4

• Bach Society of Minnesota and the Choral Arts Ensemble: March 15-17