The St. John Passion

The question of authorship of this short St John Passion is somewhat vexed. Clearly the eminent Walford Davies was convinced of its authorship in writing the Foreword, as was J Michael Diack in applying himself to editing it, cutting out several movements that had appeared in the German version and adding others from other works of Handel. The 19th century musicologist Friedrich Chrysander believed in its authenticity as it was he who prepared the German edition.

However, most modern musicologists regard its attribution to Handel as spurious and are in general agreement that its composer is unknown. The St John Passion here is in early 18th century northern Germany church style, reverent, sensitive and clearly the work of a gifted composer. It is also the first known example of a passion that was written in German, though this edition is presented in English.