Another worthwhile performance of this masterpiece
goosefish | Durham, NC USA | 02/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've immersed myself in at least two other recordings of the St. John Passion, and this one compares favorably. An exacting ear may find much fodder for thought... there are arias one might prefer slower, or faster; pitch and tone differences that make or break melodies. If you wish to truly know this cornerstone of Bach's oevre, then this recording is worth digesting."
A voice teacher and early music fan
George Peabody | Planet Earth | 02/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"STUNNING RENDITION OF ST. JOHANNES PASSION
This CD set includes a star-studded group of fine singers and instrumentalists who are very much a part of the early music business. In addition, the chorus is all male and thus have boy sopranos on the top part, which IS a rarity amongst the versions elsewhere; and as per usual the alto part is sung by male countertenors. All of this results in a pure crystalline sound at the top and a rich velvet-like tone in the middle.
Cleobury tends to use slightly faster tempos than some of the other recordings of the Passion, and in fact, attacks the music with much power and PASSION!
The soloists include Catherine Bott (soprano), although far from harsh, sings with a cutting edge that suits the overall approach. Michael Chance's (countertenor) lovely legato singing is extremely impressive (the consummate Bach singer) especially in his aria 'Von den Strikkenmeiner Sunder', and is completely in sync with the other interpretations. John Mark Ainsley is a faultless Evangelist who throughout emphasizes the dramatic. He is particularly at his best in the powerful recitative 'Barabas aber war ein Morder' with its startling triplets and double dotted bass line. Steven Varcoe's (bass) aria ' Mein Treuer Heiland, lass dich fragen' is truly impressively dramatic, and Paul Agnew (tenor) sings with much pathos and intensity.
If you like the modern approach to Bach on original instruments this recording will prove to be an enjoyable and enriching listen!
As with most other BRILLIANT recordings there are no liner notes included, but after hearing the performance, I didn't care."