Where can I watch Erbarme dich - Matthäus Passion Stories?

Erbarme dich - Matthäus Passion Stories, a poignant documentary released in 2015, takes viewers on an evocative journey through the profound emotional tapestry woven by Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Through the insights of a diverse group of notable figures, including visionary director Peter Sellars and conductor Pieter Jan Leusink, the film explores their unique connections to this monumental piece of music against the haunting backdrop of a dilapidated church. As a choir of homeless individuals rehearses alongside Leusink’s Bach Choir & Orchestra, the film poignantly highlights the redemptive power of music, illustrating how the St. Matthew Passion serves as a bridge across generational divides and personal struggles.

The documentary delves into themes of love, loss, and the intricate relationships between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and the connections that transcend life's challenges. Each narrative thread intertwines seamlessly, revealing how the St. Matthew Passion resonates deeply within the human experience, offering solace and understanding amidst chaos. Leusink's own journey, marked by a painful past shaped by the music he conducts, adds a deeply personal layer to the storytelling. Erbarme dich stands as a testament to the transformative nature of art, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to music and the universal emotions it evokes. This film is not just for classical music aficionados; it's a heartfelt exploration of the human condition that resonates with anyone seeking meaning in life's complexities.