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Dive into the heart-stirring melodies and majestic orchestration of the Oberammergau Passion Play, a decennial musical masterpiece that transcends time and space in the quaint Bavarian town of Oberammergau.
As someone who has wandered the globe with a keen eye for both adventure and budget, my travels have taken me to countless destinations rich in culture and history.
Yet among these journeys, the Oberammergau Passion Play stands out as a singular, unforgettable experience.
This guide, drawn from firsthand knowledge and a passion for cultural immersion, is crafted to inspire and assist you in planning an unforgettable visit to one of Germany’s most iconic events.
Not only is the Oberammergau Passion Play one of the most famous and well-attended passion plays in the world, but the music and choir are also top-notch.
I’ve created a blog post that will introduce you to the music of the play. You’ll learn about the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play music and how it has evolved over time. Plus, I’m revealing some of my favorite pieces from the play.
SBT Highlights
- Experience the unparalleled music, choir, and orchestra that elevate the Oberammergau Passion Play, making it a must-see event for culture enthusiasts and global travelers.
- Immerse yourself in the heart-stirring melodies and majestic orchestration unique to the decennial Oberammergau Passion Play, known for moving audiences worldwide.
- Discover the essence of the Oberammergau experience through a guide with firsthand knowledge, tailored to help you plan an unforgettable trip that balances authentic cultural immersion with budget-friendly travel.
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Oberammergau Passion Play Music
The Oberammergau Passion Play is a world-famous passion play that has been performed in the small town of Oberammergau, Germany, since 1634. The little village made a solemn vow that they would perform the Play going forward, if God would spare them from the dreaded plague.
This small village in the Bavarian Alps is known for its amazing acting, scenery, and story. The play is based on the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is performed by the people of Oberammergau.
But, the music is also a huge draw for tourists and locals alike. With dozens of powerful voices and a full orchestra, the Passion Play music is awe-inspiring.
Although the music of the play has evolved over time, its heart has never wavered.
History of the Text & Music of the Oberammergau Passion Play
Though music is a huge part of the Passion Play, we can’t ignore the Play’s text. Since the Passion Play began in 1634, it has been based on the Biblical account of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
History of the Passion Play Text
The text of the Oberammergau Passion Play has changed over time. Without going into a full history of the text, I’ll highlight just a few here:
- early 1800s – Othmar Weis, Ettal Benedictine prior, writes a new play, sticking closely to the Gospels, inserting Biblical passages, and including “moral observations that are preceded by choral passages.”
- 1850 – Oberammergau pastor, Joseph Alois Daisenberger, became director. He made minor changes to the text.
- 1860 – Daisenberger makes major revision of text, at government’s request. Focuses on Gospel of John, from the New Testament.
- 1870 – Daisenberger edits text into blank verse format, which is rejected by the community.
- 1950s-1960s – Criticism arises that the Play is anti-Semitic.
- 1970 – Decision to use Father Ferdinand Rosner’s “Passio Nova” from 1750 is rescinded, in favor of Weis/Daisenberger adaptation.
- 1977 – “Rosner Rehearsal” – 8 test performances with Hans Schwaighofer on staging and design, Alois Fink on the text, and Wolfgang Fortner on music. Well-received but community still voted down the Rosner text for 1980’s Play.
- 1980 – Small revisions made to promote a more positive view of Judaism.
- 1984 – Minor changes to text for 350th Anniversary performances.
- 1990 – Christian Stückl, at 27-years-old, elected director in 1986. Created new text, based on Daisenberger’s original, but eliminates many anti-Jewish passages.
- 2000 – Stückl is director again. Another new version of the text.
- 2010 – Director Christian Stückl remains. Made more significant changes to the text.
- 2020/2022 – Stückl directs a 4th time.
History of the Passion Play Music
So, who wrote the music for the Oberammergau Passion Play?
While there were mentions of a choir in scripts as far back as the 18th century, as far as the music goes, since 1820, it has been largely based on the compositions of Rochus Dedler (1779 – 1822), an Oberammergau teacher.
In the early 1800s, Dedler composed and revised a new accompaniment to match up with Othmar Weis’s new text. The modern day performances still benefit from Dedler’s 200-year-old compositions, in which he arranged the “vocal passages as recitatives, arias, and choruses.”
Markus Zwink has been the musical director and composer since the 1990 play. He has definitely made his mark over the years, having also been the musical director in 2000, 2010, and 2022 (originally scheduled for 2020).
Here are a few highlights of the musical history of the Passion Play:
- early 1800s – Rochus Dedler writes new Passion Play music.
- 1950 – Eugen Papst, Oberammergau composer, arranges Dedler’s music.
- 1990 – Markus Zwink, new musical director, revises and expands Dedler’s score.
- 2000 – Zwink created another new arrangement of Dedler’s original score from the early 1800s, and also composes new music for the refreshed tableaux vivants.
- 2010 – Zwink adds some Hebrew into the lyrics, including the choir singing “Sch’ma Israel,” which creates quite an audible tension with the sudden difference from German.
- 2022 – Zwink still at the helm as musical director and composer.
“Heil Dir”
One of Dedler’s mainstay compositions is entitled “Heil Dir.” This famous “Heil Dir” (“Hail to You” in English) has been found in an original score from 1815.
How famous is “Heil Dir” in Oberammergau, you ask?
At the Ecumenical Opening Service on May 14, 2022, “Heil Dir” was on the program. When it came time for the song, a brass ensemble began playing, and everyone (like, everyone) started singing. No printed lyrics, no projection screens!
I later realized that most people in attendance had probably grown up with that song. They just knew it…almost like a national anthem.
“Heil Dir” is so ingrained in the Oberammergau Passion Play that there would probably be a revolt if it were to be removed!
Oberammergau Passion Play 2022 Music
For 2022, with Zwink at the helm, approximately 125 choristers and 125 orchestra members were on the roster. At each performance, 64 singers and 57 musicians were on the stage and in the orchestra pit, respectively.
While the orchestra is never seen (the orchestra pit is under the front of the stage), the choir costumes took on a traditional look in 2022, wearing the classic black and white clothing style of Oberammergau villagers from centuries past.
Many of the musical pieces accompany the tableaux vivants, which are depicting scenes from the Old Testament (such as the golden calf). The song lyrics evoke the emotion of what is going on in the living images.
Besides “Heil Dir,” the choral piece for the living image entitled “The Mocking of Job” is a favorite of mine. The melody is so beautiful!
Vocal & Instrumental Talent in Oberammergau
Music is 1/3 of the Play, with dialogue the other 2/3. This amounts to about one hour and 40 minutes of music!
That’s a lot, and expectations are high! I mean, this is a whole day experience!
I was fortunate enough to attend two performances of the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2022, and it was truly a moving experience both times. The choir and orchestra were amazing!
But, how can a town of less than 5,500 people bring that much quality and talent every 10 years??? Vocal soloists, instrumentalists, conductors.
We’re not the only ones wondering either. We overheard a conversation while walking to our car after watching the Play on September 9, 2022. One playgoer asked another, how can they [the citizens of Oberammergau] be that good coming from such a small town?
Great question!
The answer: the leaders of Oberammergau are intentional.
“To make all this possible, the municipality of Oberammergau undertakes a wide range of musical development work. Talented singers and instrumentalists receive individual support, and there is a wide variety of instrumental groups and choirs for every age group. Here children and young people can try their hand and build on their skills until they finally get to experience the Passion Play as a member of the orchestra or choir.” (PASSION PLAY: Oberammergau 2022)
They make the musical arts a priority, pure and simple.
Passion Play Theatre
The Passion Play Theater is a unique focal point in the heart of Oberammergau. With its arched roofline and sloped seating, it’s designed to create space and gives audience members a good view of the stage.
The stage itself is huge, its width the entirety of the theater building. With scenes involving hundreds of people at a time, it definitely has to be big!
Stage design is such that the actors just appear from or disappear into various hallways of sorts. As the set is mostly fixed, for the Last Supper scene, stage techniques were used to make the audience feel like they were at the table with Jesus and his disciples.
The sound system is also top-notch with a surround sound setup that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of it all! Microphones are undetectable, but we could hear every bit of dialogue and singing quite clearly.
All spectators have covered seats, while the stage performers do not…well, sometimes. For the 2010 performance year, a movable stage roof was added. It’s a pretty sweet set-up. Whether the movable structure is over the stage or in its opposite position, the audience can see the sky and landscaping beyond, so it’s always an open-air theater.
There’s even a fascinating exhibit about the history of the Play in the lobby!
No matter when you’re visiting Oberammergau, pay a visit to the Passion Play Theatre!
Oberammergau is a Destination
Besides the music, the Passion Play, and the theater, Oberammergau itself is an incredible destination. Just a little over an hour southwest of Munich, the town is filled with beautiful alpine scenery and plenty to explore.
The residents of Oberammergau are proud of their heritage and deep connection to the Passion Play. I recommend at least an overnight stay, whether it’s your first time, or you’ve been many times before.
If you’re in town for the Passion Play, you can even accomplish a lot during your free time between the first half and second half of the Play.
Some of my favorite things to do in Oberammergau are:
- Oberammergau Museum
- look for the uniquely painted buildings (Lüftlmalerei, or Lüftelmalerei)
- Laber Bergbahn cable car (order kaiserschmarrn for a snack at Die Laberei at the summit)
- Alpine Coaster!
Where to Stay in Oberammergau
There are 2 fantastic hotels that I recommend. One is in Oberammergau, and one is in nearby Ettal.
📍 Hotel Maximilian – In the heart of Oberammergau, right at a fork in the road, you will find Hotel Maximilian. This is probably the fanciest hotel in Oberammergau proper. It’s best for 1 or 2-person lodging, and less optimal for families. The restaurant at ground level, Ammergauer Maxbräu, is classy and delicious. Order the Käsespätzle to eat, and a Heisse Inge (it’s a non-alcoholic hot beverage with ginger syrup, lime, and mint) to drink.
📍 Klosterhotel Ettal Ludwig der Bayer – Located in the village next door, Ettal, sits right across the street from the gorgeous Ettal Abbey. Large rooms, a lovely indoor pool, and a fantastic breakfast spread will enhance your stay!
SBT Summary: Oberammergau Passion Play Music
If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination that also offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, look no further than Oberammergau, Germany.
The Oberammergau Passion Play is a unique event that takes place only once every 10 years, and tickets sell out fast. If you’re interested in attending this incredible play, now is the time to act!
The music, choir, and orchestra of the Oberammergau Passion Play are world-renowned and not to be missed. This event is a must for culture lovers and travelers alike.
It’s more than just a music presentation with dramatic text. It’s an experience!
Start planning your trip to the next performance now! Oberammergau Passion Play 2030!
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