The Crucifixus comes from the Credo of the Mass. Bach's setting dates to 1714. It is a passacaglia, with the chromatic fourth in the bass line repeated thirteen times, like a sarabande.
The suffering of Jesus is expressed in chromatic melodic lines, dissonant harmonies, and sigh-motifs. The final line, on the 13th repeat of the bass line, et sepultus est (and was buried) was newly composed, with the accompaniment silent and a modulation to G major, to lead to the following movement of the Mass.
At the end of the Crucifixus, the soprano and alto voices reach the lowest range of the movement on the final et sepultus est (and was buried). as a type of musical word painting.
Johann Sebastian Bach Mass in B minor Crucifixus
Ensemble: Collegium Vocale
Conductor: Gent Philippe Herreweghe
The complete Mass in B minor: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...