36b-d. Da speieten sie aus | Matthäus-Passion Unraveled

Interpretation

The mocking is musically depicted in the chorus 'Weissage uns'. It sounds scornful and chaotic, as if they are dancing and pushing around him.

The Mocking

Da speieten sie aus

Recitative

•Evangelist, Chorus

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No. 36b-dpart_43

Evangelist

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying:

Chorus

Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

German

English

Evangelist

Da speieten sie aus in sein Angesicht und schlugen ihn mit Fäusten. Etliche aber schlugen ihn ins Angesicht und sprachen:

Evangelist

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying:

Chor

Weissage uns, Christe, wer ist's, der dich schlug?

Chorus

Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Modern adaptation

They spat in his face, hit him and shouted mockingly: 'Hey Prophet, tell us who just hit you!'

Chapters

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St Matthew Passion