Among the most prominent threads that make up the magnificent tapestry of the Gospel according to John is that of "the hour of Jesus." "My hour has not yet come," Jesus says to his mother.The movement of the Gospel, then, is towards the full revelation of the hour of Jesus. And that revelation is consummated on the cross, where the eyes of faith see "the glory" of the Father's uniquely-begotten.Bach captures the complex consummation of defeat and victory, death and life, in the great aria: "Es ist vollbracht!" of his St. John Passion:

It is accomplished: what comfort for suffering humanity!I see the end of the night of afflictionThe hero of Judah consummates his victorious combat.It is accomplished.

The performance here is by Harnoncourt, and the aria is sung splendidly by a boy alto.