BA5938-90
Unlike Bach's other oratorio compositions, there is no definitive version of the St. John Passion. The first version of 1724 which is today's standard version represents a mixture of different readings. The second version of 1725 was performed under the direction of Bach himself and can therefore be considered authentic. in addition to a change in order of several movements, the second version differs from the earlier version by the use of the opening chorus "O Mensch, bewein".