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Johann Sebastian Bach based his 1727 Matthäus-Passion (or St. Matthew's Passion on the Gospel of St. Matthew 26-27, and thus intended it to relay, musically, the intensity, anguish, and ultimate glory of Christ's final days on earth, from the last supper through the crucifixion and resurrection. The work alternates between symphonic overtures, arias and ensemble vocals, and is thus meant to be performed by an orchestra, soloists and a chorale, respectively. The home release Matthäus-Passion has the late maestro Karl Richter leading the Munchener Bach-Orchester and Choir in one of the definitive performances of this work, from 1971. Assigned soloists include: bass Ernst Gerold Schramm as Jesus; Peter Schreier as The Evangelist, and bass Siegmund Nimsgern in a quadruple role as Judas, Peter, Caiaphas and Pilate.