When I was listening to some of Bach’s pieces of passion music, I noticed how they had similar qualities, but yet the overall sound of the music was different. It had me thinking about the different point of views that converge in these sections of the Bible, in regards to Jesus’s suffering and death. There are a lot of ways that you can acknowledge these points of views in music. You could choose to portray Jesus’ death with upbeat, major chords to reflect the excitement and relief of the Jewish priests when he dies. You could choose to use very intense, clashing notes to demonstrate the monumental decision that the Roman leaders had to make in crucifying Jesus. Most obviously, though, would be using slow, minor chords that show sorrow and mourning on the behalf of the disciples and the women.
What would be most interesting to me, however, I believe would be a Passion that reflects Jesus’ experience and emotions only, almost like His internal dialogue was reflected in it. This would obviously stray from the true words of the Bible. As a creative and entertaining form of music, though, I think it would be a really interesting concept. If it was up to me to write this, I would definitely have a short phrase and set of notes that would repeat throughout the whole thing. The lyrics would reflect something like John 3:16 which are those that say: “For God so loved the world…” Throughout all of his beatings and torture, Christ continually reminds Himself who this sacrifice will be for: His precious Creation. I might also have the crucifixion be a soft, victorious scene, because Good Friday is truly good for Christians. He has finally triumphed over the devil on the cross.