Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750).Biography:Bach's health may have been in decline in 1749, as on June 2, Heinrich von Brühl wrote to one of the Leipzig burgomasters to request that his music director, Gottlob Harrer, immediately begin to audition someone to succeed to the Thomascantor and Director musices posts "upon the eventual...decease of Mr. Bach." Bach became increasingly blind, and the celebrated British ophthalmologist John Taylor (who had operated unsuccessfully on Handel) operated on Bach while visiting Leipzig in 1750. Bach died on 28 July, 1750 at the age of 65. A contemporary newspaper reported the cause of death was "from the unhappy consequences of the very unsuccessful eye operation". Some modern historians speculate the cause of death was a stroke complicated by pneumonia.Johannes Passion (BWV 245):The Johannes Passion (English: St. John Passion), BWV 245, is a musical composition by Johann Sebastian Bach. Originally meant to be performed for the first time in the St. Thomas church in Leipzig, the St. John Passion was first performed in 1724 in the St. Nicholas' church. It is shorter than the St. Matthew Passion and researchers have discovered that Bach revised the work several times before producing a final version in the 1740s. Alternate numbers that Bach introduced in 1725 but later removed can be found in the appendix to scores of the work such as that of the Neue Bach Ausgabe (and heard in the recording by Emmanuel Music directed by Craig Smith, cited below).The text for the body of the work is taken from the Gospel of John chapters 18 and 19. Bach used Martin Luther's translation of the Bible with only slight modifications. The text for the opening prayer Herr, unser Herrscher, dessen Ruhm as well as the arias, chorales and the penultimate chorus Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine each come from various other sources. It is interesting to note also that the recitative Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriß is not found in the book of John but rather comes from the Gospel of Matthew.1. Chor.Christe, du Lamm Gottes,Der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,Erbarm dich unser!Christe, du Lamm Gottes,Der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,Erbarm dich unser!Christe, du Lamm Gottes,Der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,Gib uns dein' Frieden!Amen. (German "Agnus Dei").1. Chorus.Christ, Lamb of God,You who bear the sin of the world,have mercy on us!Christ, Lamb of God,You who bear the sin of the world,have mercy on us!Christ, Lamb of God,You who bear the sin of the world,grant us Your peace. Amen.(German "Agnus Dei").Collegium Vocale Gent.Dir. Philippe Herreweghe.