Alessandro Scarlatti
The oratorio marks a departure from the settings of actual Gospel passion narratives such as the Latin "Passio Secundum Ioannem" of Alessandro Scarlatti to a more theatrical style. The four central roles are "S. Pietro, S. Giovanni, Maria Maddalena, Giuseppe d'Arimatea" – with John, Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea answering Peter's questions about the crucifixion.