BWV 244, No. 64, Am Abend, da es kühle war

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  • Level
    Expert
  • Duration
    10 minutes
  • Last Updated
    February 22, 2026

Material includes

  • Video guide, phonetic transcription

Target audience

  • Professionals and advanced students
Free

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Description

Go beyond just singing the notes.

In this masterclass, we dive deep into one of J.S. Bach’s most profound bass recitatives: “Am Abend, da es kühle war” from the St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244).

Designed for advanced vocalists and professionals, this course offers a unique, holistic approach to historical performance practice. We don’t just look at vocal technique; we decode the musical architecture, the theological background, and the emotional core of the piece.

What you will learn

  • Context & Theology: Understand the profound meaning behind the text to fuel your artistic expression.
  • Musical Architecture: Discover how Bach uses harmony, tempo, and instrumentation (tasto solo) to paint the scene.
  • German Diction (Bühnendeutsch): Master the specific consonants, vowels, and IPA rules required for authentic Baroque German pronunciation.
  • Vocal Execution: Learn how to pace your breath, phrase naturally, and execute historical ornamentation (appoggiaturas and slides) with confidence.
  • Whether you are preparing for an audition, a concert, or simply want to elevate your understanding of Bach, this step-by-step guide will give you the tools to deliver an authoritative, historically informed, and deeply moving performance.

Course curriculum

Introduction

Fundamentals

Musical Architecture

German Diction & Pronunciation

Vocal Execution

Conclusion & Next Steps