[Classical] Masterpieces of oratorios. Recommended classical music.

St Matthew PassionJ.S.Bach

Bach: St. Matthew Passion (complete) — conducted by Richter (1958)

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a leading figure of Baroque music, this monumental work is hailed as the pinnacle of Passion oratorios.

The majestic architecture of sound woven by the two choirs and orchestra is nothing short of breathtaking.

This piece not only traces the biblical narrative, but also resonates deeply through arias that reveal the characters’ searing emotions and chorales that become the listener’s own prayer.

It is also famous for having been revived by Mendelssohn in 1829, which sparked a major reappraisal of Bach.

There are numerous recordings—most notably Karl Richter’s acclaimed Matthäus-Passion—and it continues to be cherished across generations.

This timeless masterpiece is perfect for surrendering yourself to a grand musical world and immersing in profound emotion.

St John PassionJ.S.Bach

Bach – St John Passion BWV 245 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

A pinnacle of Passion oratorios that renders biblical narratives in music with majestic harmonies and dramatic development.

Composed by the father of music, Johann Sebastian Bach, this work centers on the Evangelist’s narration, interweaving the crowd’s fiercely emotional choruses with arias that voice profound personal lament and prayer.

One is drawn into a world that combines the tension of an epic opera with the serenity of chorales that soothe the soul.

Premiered in Leipzig on April 7, 1724, this masterpiece is today represented by numerous celebrated recordings, such as Bach Collegium Japan’s album “J.S.

Bach: St.

John Passion, BWV 245.” When you want to immerse yourself in richly narrative classical music, why not surrender to its dramatic resonance?

Oratorio “Saint Nichiren”Mayuzumi Toshirō

Toshiro Mayuzumi: Oratorio “Saint Nichiren” (world premiere)

Toshiro Mayuzumi is known as a composer who represents Japan’s postwar music scene.

He was active not only in contemporary music but also in film music.

Among his works, this grand piece—expressing a Buddhist worldview through the Western oratorio form—is nothing short of overwhelming.

It depicts the life of Nichiren in five parts—Sea, Flower, Light, Snow, and Mountain—where Japanese narration, a sonorous chorus, and a symphonic orchestra unite to weave an epic narrative.

In the final section, the climactic rise powered by the repeated chanting of the daimoku is sure to stir the listener’s soul.

The work premiered in April 1982 as part of the commemoration of the 700th anniversary of Saint Nichiren’s passing.

It is a masterpiece I strongly recommend to anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind musical experience that fuses Japanese spirituality with the framework of Western music.

The Legend of Saint ElizabethFranz Liszt

Ferenc Liszt: The Legend of St. Elizabeth

Franz Liszt is famous as a wizard of the piano, but did you know he also composed a grand sacred work themed on a saint from his homeland, Hungary? This piece is an oratorio depicting the compassionate life of Princess Elisabeth, who married into the Landgraves of Thuringia.

In fact, the sweeping conception was inspired by a cycle of frescoes in Wartburg Castle.

A prayer motif symbolizing the saint recurs throughout the work, lending the narrative profound spirituality and a strong sense of unity—truly wonderful.

Premiered in August 1865 under Liszt’s own baton, the work can be heard on recordings such as the Hungaroton release conducted by János Ferencsik.

It’s highly recommended when you want to immerse yourself in a moving sound world of majestic chorus and orchestra—quite different from opera.

Easter OratorioJ.S.Bach

Bach – Easter Oratorio: Kommt, eilet und laufet BWV 249 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

A resplendent fanfare announces the dawn of resurrection in this festive oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Its great appeal lies in the magnificent instrumental writing—featuring trumpets and timpani—and the dramatic dialogues among the four soloists who portray the characters.

The music vividly depicts the disciples’ quickened steps as they hurry to the Lord’s tomb and the subtle shift of their hearts from astonishment to conviction.

Premiered on Easter Day in April 1725, the work also has the intriguing background of having originally been a different celebratory cantata.

It is a masterpiece perfectly suited for immersing oneself in a world of hope and joy, enveloped in the majestic sonorities of orchestra and voices.

Oratorio “The Apostles,” Op. 49Edward Elgar

Elgar The Apostles – BBC Symphony Orchestra – Gennady Rozhdestvensky (RFH, 1982)

An oratorio by the British composer Edward Elgar, also known for works like “Pomp and Circumstance.” Based on the New Testament, it’s a grand piece that runs to about two hours.

Perhaps the real highlight is the vivid psychological portrayal of its characters.

Elgar conveys the emotions of Judas, tormented by guilt, and Mary Magdalene, seeking salvation, using intricate leitmotifs that reflect Wagner’s influence.

You can also revel in the dramatic dynamics unique to orchestra and chorus—complete with the ancient shofar sounding.

Premiered in 1903, the work continues to be highly esteemed; a performance conducted by Sir Mark Elder won at the 2013 BBC Music Magazine Awards.

Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a richly narrative world of classical music.

Samson HWV 57 ‘Overture’Georg Friedrich Händel

Overture: Handel: Samson

Georg Friedrich Handel, a leading figure of the late Baroque.

This piece opens the overture to the oratorio Samson, which Handel undertook immediately after completing the famous Messiah and premiered in February 1743.

While the oratorio deals with the tragedy of a hero, this work does not depict the story directly; rather, it heightens anticipation for the grand drama to come.

Its appeal lies in the brilliant, resounding brass, whose powerful sonorities suggest the hero’s dignity and the sanctity of the tale, instantly drawing listeners in.

Known also through recordings conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, this piece is perfect as an introduction before focusing on a task, or whenever you want to immerse yourself in the expansive world of classical music.