Sometimes the simplest expression is the most powerful.  At a pivotal point in the intimidating and complex St. Matthew Passion, Bach places this strikingly stark, simple, yet devastating piece of music.  We discuss how the sparse instrumentation, with its lack of bass sounds, leaves the listener unmoored, feeling the vulnerability of the soloist's emotion.  And Alex talks about a "moment of West Wing", so to speak.

St. Matthew Passion, performed by the Netherlands Bach Society (this link takes you directly to the "Aus Liebe" aria, with soprano Griet de Geyter):

https://youtu.be/ZwVW1ttVhuQ?t=6362

Scene from "The West Wing" that features Josh's favorite "Ave Maria" moment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQsVBolPNs