Markus-Passion
With vocal solo
With vocal solo & choir
Concert band, Fanfare, Brass band, Narrator, Vocal solo, optional Choir
Grade: 4
Duration: 54:30
Hal Leonard Europe
About Markus-Passion
Jacob de Haan composed a Passion for three vocal soloists and wind orchestra. It proved to meet a need, because the story about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ makes a deep impression.
This version of the Markus Passion was originally created without a choir, in order to allow the work to be performed in advance without much organization. A version with the option of a choir will be released later this year (2026).
The passion text from the Gospel according to Mark is used integrally by the composer in this passion, which makes this passion unique. This text is partly recited by a narrator, the evangelist. The music under the spoken text sets the mood of the story. Jesus’ monologues and dialogues with the disciples are sung by a baritone. The mezzo-soprano (or alto) portrays the person of Mary Magdalene. Alternating with the texts from the Gospel according to Mark, there are songs for the singers. Selected are existing chorales for which only the lyrics have been used to compose new music. This creates an integrated whole with narration, sung monologues, dialogues and songs, to expressively express the passion of Jesus in the composer’s 100% original music.
Jacob de Haan “I consider this Markus-Passion to be my most emotional work. I was able to realize it by empathizing with the story about the crucifixion of Jesus. The lyrics immediately took me to pure emotion”.
Choir rehearsal tracks
Practice the choir parts of the Markus-Passion with the choir learning files on soundcloud. The rehearsal tracks in the set begin at the measures indicated in the trackname.
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
10 Frequently Asked Questions about performing the Markus-Passion
Answered by Jacob de Haan
1. How long does a performance of the Markus-Passion last?
The Markus Passion lasts about an hour, no intermission is necessary. This makes it easier to perform in a church and manageable for the audience and performers.
2. For which instrumentation is the Markus-Passion suitable?
For (mezzo) soprano (Mary Magdalene), baritone (Jesus), evangelist (narrator) and concert band / wind orchestra. It is also available for fanfare band and brass band upon request (send me a message). It is without choir, which makes a performance relatively easy to realize organizationally.
3. Are microphones necessary for the soloists?
For the evangelist/narrator, who declaims parts of the Gospel of Mark, certainly.
The vocal soloists can optionally be slightly amplified by microphones, depending on the acoustic situation of the concert hall or church.
4. What is the difficulty level of the Markus Passion?
Technically, it is a grade 3.5. Musically, it is slightly higher. But various orchestras from the highest divisions also perform it. Fanfare orchestra Psalm 150 from Dinxperlo (concert division), for example, is performing the work in 2025 for the second time.
5. Do the vocal soloists have to be professionally trained?
Preferably yes. Conservatory students are also sometimes asked, which is an excellent option and a wonderful experience for the students.
6. Can you count on a large audience at a performance of the Markus Passion?
Generally, yes. I visited and watched various performances on YouTube last year, and they were packed everywhere. The passion story really appeals to people these days.
7. Is the composer himself also available to conduct a performance?
If it fits into the schedule, certainly. I have conducted several performances in the past. In 2025 I am conducting a performance in Poznan in Poland, where the evangelist perform the texts in Polish.
8. Can the work be performed in all languages?
If desired, the evangelist’s texts can be spoken in any desired language or dialect, to make the work more accessible to the public. The sung parts are best performed in German because of the rhythm. For requests regarding a language, please send me a message.
9. Where can you listen to recordings of the Markus-Passion?
10. Where can you buy the sheet music of the Markus-Passion?
It is published by De Haske Publications and you can order it on Band Music Shop.