The Great Passion

By: James Runcie

Narrated by: Pip Torrens

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Bloomsbury presents The Great Passion by James Runcie, read by Pip Torrens.

From acclaimed best-selling author James Runcie, a meditation on grief and music, told through the story of Bach’s writing of the 'St Matthew Passion'.

In 1727, Stefan Silbermann is a grief-stricken 13-year-old, struggling with the death of his mother and his removal to a school in distant Leipzig. Despite his father’s insistence that he try not to think of his mother too much, Stefan is haunted by her absence, and, to make matters worse, he’s bullied by his new classmates. But when the school’s cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach, takes notice of his new pupil’s beautiful singing voice and draws him from the choir to be a soloist, Stefan’s life is permanently changed.

Over the course of the next several months, and under Bach’s careful tutelage, Stefan’s musical skill progresses, and he is allowed to work as a copyist for Bach’s many musical works. But mainly, drawn into Bach’s family life and away from the cruelty in the dorms and the lonely hours of his mourning, Stefan begins to feel at home. When another tragedy strikes, this time in the Bach family, Stefan bears witness to the depths of grief, the horrors of death, the solace of religion and the beauty that can spring from even the most profound losses.

Joyous, revelatory and deeply moving, The Great Passion is an imaginative tour de force that tells the story of what it was like to sing, play and hear Bach’s music for the very first time.

©2022 James Runcie (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"This wise, refreshing novel takes us to the heart of Bach’s life and work. James Runcie’s expert imagination makes his picture of Leipzig specific and convincing, and behind the music’s echo lies a touching human story. It offers a glimpse into a world more faithful and attentive than our own, but not alien to us: ‘we listen to music as survivors,’ the great Cantor says." (Hilary Mantel)

"Rich in its descriptions of music, devotion to God, and the daily hardships of 18th-century life.... A delightful novel filled with warmth, music and an obvious love of Bach." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Runcie, best known for his empathic Grantchester mystery series, displays the same gifts for characterization in this account of Johann Sebastian Bach’s composition of the 'St Matthew Passion' in 1727.... This is historical fiction of the highest order." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

The Great Passion

This story puts a person in Leipzig during Bach time so well you feel like you are there and experiencing being with the great cantor.

Wonderful book, wonderful reading

Probably one of the best performances I’ve listened to. Thank you Pip Torrens. To James Runcie, I am looking forward to a movie version so I can hear the music.

For music lovers.

Required listen for Bach lovers, especially those who have performed the St. Matthew Passion. The story of its creation from the point of view of a homesick but very talented choirboy who is befriended by the Bach family. Wonderful performance.

Importance of being occupied with passion

I felt like I was part of Bach’s household after listening to this book. The story is so good, and the narrator is excellent.

Simple Riveting!

The setting is one of a character being introduced to a real person; in this case Johann Sebastian Bach. The life of the character, Stephan Silverman intertwines with the personhood, family, and music of Bach that allows one to imagine they actually get to know this arguable greatest musical composer of all time; as they would if they were his close friend. Bach’s belief in Christ Jesus and his familiarity and command of the Word of God would have made him a great preacher. But God must have had other plans for Bach. And that was to put onto paper the music God put into his mind. The narration is exquisite. The story is destined for a movie.

Life Changing

As a musician and music teacher, I was so moved to see and hear the great J S Bach in relationship to his family and church and students. The writing and story are both tender and wise, full of believable conflict and character. Bravo!

A fascinating book that drew me in

The narration of this book was excellent, and it drew me in to hear this fascinating story. The writing felt rooted in the time and culture of Bach's life.

One of the Best Novels about Music I’ve Ever Encountered

James Runcie has given us a remarkable gift, giving Johann Sebastian Bach a real voice in a novel. And Pip Torrens characterizations of Bach, his family, and the people of Leipzig are well wrought. I found it to be a deeply moving experience listening to this audio book. I hope you enjoy it too.

It will be helpful if you have some musical background to fully appreciate The Great Passion. Yet it is really a wonderful story of faith, grief, and
love, and how through the making music — and listening to it — our lives are made better.

Gave color to Bach’s life

I’ll never listen to Bach’s music in the same way. Wonderful narration. Thank you. Highly recommend this story.

Thoroughly enjoyed in all respects!

A good read and great performance. Definitely recommend to all - whether a music lover or not.