A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tod Jesu, Der

TOD JESU, DER, i.e. the Death of Jesus—the 'Messiah' of Germany, a 'Passions-Cantate,' words by Rainier, music by Graun. It was first performed in the Cathedral of Berlin, on Wednesday before Easter, March 26, 1755, and took such hold as to become an essential part of the Passion week at Berlin. It is still given there at least twice a year. In England I can find no record of its complete performance. There are three editions of the full score—1760, 1766, 1810; and PF. arrangements without number, beginning with one by J. Adam Hiller, 1783, and ending with one in Novello's 8vo. series.

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