In the mysteries and scenes of the passion of Christ since Middle Age, has been performed throughout Catalonia in town squares and streets, it was not unusual to hear liturgical hymns, and fragments of songs.

As these performances evolved and took a more theatrical character, profane pieces of more complexity also were incorporated. Therefore, the representations which have been taking place for centuries in Esparreguera and despite not having documented data could not be an exception.

Live music is an essential element in La Passió d’Esparreguera.

Since the establishment of La Passió d’ Esparreguera as a sacrum drama, staged in a theatre and since the second half of the 19th century, live music has always been a key element. The first date we have that refers to a Performance of The Passion is around 1875 in “La Siempreviva” theatre, where the music that lead the text written by Friar Anton de Sant Jeroni was carried out by Feliu Monné and his family.

The “Suite bíblica” of Josep Maria Pla was played between 1952 and 1959 at the l’Ateneu theatre.

In 1952 and with la Passió already consolidated in the theatre of “L’Ateneu”, it is decided to adapt a new text by Mossèn Marçal Martínez, a poet from Martorell, who will introduce new music to the show.

The “Suite bíblica” of Josep M. Pla, director of the Orquestra Clàssica Gracienca, violinist of the Gran Liceu theatre and Barcelona Philharmonic Orchestra, and disciple, among others of the composer Enric Morera were chosen. La “Suite bíblica” was performed between 1952 and 1959.

But the turning point for the future of  La Passió d’Esparreguera had yet to come. In the late 1950´s, the board of trustees of The Passion decided to order a new text to a poet, Ramon Torruella, which culminated in 1959 and began to be performed in 1960. The significant change is accompanied by the first arrangements of the existing scores and the adding of fragments of classical music performed also by an orchestra leader from Esparreguera the master Josep Borràs.

In 1976, The orchestra leader Josep Borràs presents a new musical book composed especially for La Passió. 

Finally, in 1976, with the show already performing at the current La Passió  Theatre, the orchestra leader Borràs features a completely new musical book, composed especially for La Passió d’ Esparreguera. This will kick off the show as we know it today. The inauguration in 1977 of the magnificent 700- pipe organ (which the viewer can see on the theatre stage) confirms La Passió’s commitment to resize music and choral singing.

-Until then considered a mere accompaniment to the act, but since then is now regarded indispensable for the show.

La Passió embraces the music and choral singing and claims it as indispensable for the performance.

Since then, the composition of the orchestra leader Borràs has performed live in each play with the Orchestra and the Chorus of La Passió, giving the show a unique personality and authenticity, as well as an artistic value and cultural scope recognized beyond our town.

On the 28th of July of 2019 The “Parenostre” of La Passió d’ Esparreguera will be performed within the repertoire of the chapel mass of The Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.

On Sunday, July 28th, 2019 the organist of the temple of The Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, Josep de Solé Coll from Sabadell, performed a fragment of the music of La Passió d’Esparreguera the “Parenostre” in the repertoire of the mass in the Basilica. Josep Solé himself has formally invited Master Borràs to attend a Mass by The Archbishop Cardinal Angelo Comastri during Easter 2020, where La Passió  Choir will play fragments of the repertoire such as the “Lavatory”, during the offering and the “Hallelujah” at the end of the mass. This privilege shows the mastery of the composer Josep Borràs and the high artistic quality of this play. An authentic treasure and honour for La Passió d’ Esparreguera.

On Sunday, July 28th, 2019 the organist of the temple of The Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, Josep de Solé Coll from Sabadell, performed a fragment of the music of La Passió d’Esparreguera the “Parenostre” in the repertoire of the mass in the Basilica. Josep Solé himself has formally invited Master Borràs to attend a Mass by The Archbishop Cardinal Angelo Comastri during Easter 2020, where La Passió  Choir will play fragments of the repertoire such as the “Lavatory”, during the offering and the “Hallelujah” at the end of the mass. This privilege shows the mastery of the composer Josep Borràs and the high artistic quality of this play. An authentic treasure and honour for La Passió d’ Esparreguera.

Unfortunately, Master Borràs left us last April 5, 2020, Palm Sunday.

Since 2009 and due to the continuous demands from the attending public, it is possible to buy the CD with the soundtrack of  La Passió in our store.

Listen some tracks: