The Condemnation

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Recitative
No. 50a-epart_58
Evangelist
But they cried out the more, saying:
Chorus
Let him be crucified!
Evangelist
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying:
Pilate
I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Evangelist
Then answered all the people, and said:
Chorus
His blood be on us, and on our children.
Evangelist
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Modern adaptation

The people shout louder: 'Let him be crucified!' Pilate washes his hands: 'I am innocent of his death.' The people cry: 'His blood be on us!' Then Pilate releases Barabbas and has Jesus scourged.

Muziektheorie

At the words 'Lass ihn kreuzigen', Bach uses a 'diminished seventh chord', associated with the devil and tension. The voices tumble over each other in chaos.

Did you know?

Bach componeerde 'Lass ihn kreuzigen' in b-mineur - destijds gezien als de zwartste, meest melancholische toonsoort. De donkerste klank voor het donkerste moment.

Did you know?

In het Duits is # (muzikaal kruisteken) = 'Kreuz' = kruis. Bij 'kreuzigen' gebruikt Bach veel kruistekens (#) in de muziek. Het woord 'kruisigen' wordt letterlijk hoorbaar en zichtbaar.

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