"Complex" is Bach's default setting.

On this 300th anniversary of the Easter Oratorio, which was premiered in Leipzig on Easter Sunday 1725, we talk about duet recitatives, recorders and bassoons (shout out to Benny Aghassi), and Bach's marvelous trumpet writing.

See the performance of the Easter Oratorio here, by the Netherlands Bach Society, conducted by Jos van Veldhoven

After witnessing Christ's death, we experience a frozen scene -- an aria -- which is a space for reflection that Bach so often gives us in his cantatas and passions. But this time we also experience some harsh tonal whiplash as first we hear Christ's head falling in death, then a dancing, hopeful aria. This aria with interspersed chorale is filled with questions, and the positivity of one final answer.

Bach produces an innovative and complex "theological counterpoint" of the bass aria's poetry with the simultaneous chorale text. The answer is a confident affirmative; the bass holds a moment and then nods "ja." And so, our question "can I inherit the kingdom of heaven? Is this the redemption of the world?" is answered: as Christ lowered his head in death, he silently bowed his head "yes."

Aria "Mein teurer heiland" with chorale "Jesu, der du warest tot" as performed by Drew Santini and the Netherlands bach Society

"It is finished." This falling melody, sung by Christ at the moment of His death, is followed by the pivotal alto aria "Es ist vollbracht". We explore the musical texture, the dramatic contrasts, the foreshadowing of the "vivace" middle section, and the way that silence can speak louder than words or music. We also uncover a truth about the word "finished" in this biblical passage.

"Es ist vollbracht" as performed by Marine Fribourg (alto), Meineke van der Velden (viola da gamba solo) for the Netherlands Bach Society

Link to the devotional book Alex mentioned at the end of the episode. Thank you to listener and friend Marcia Biang for this book recommendation!