Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is a wonderful recording. Edward Higginbottom has gathered together a great team, all associated with New College Oxford. This brings with it a particular authenticity, as the make up of singers and players is not unlike that of Bach’s own situation at Leipzig where a Protestant church had close links with a university. The Choir includes boy trebles, as Bach intended. The soloists are all present or former members of the Choir, adding to the harmony. And all put in near perfect performances. James Gilchrist holds the whole together as Evangelist, John Bernays is a dignified Christ and Joe Littlewood is a fine soprano. But to pick out individuals when the whole is so good is unhelpful. Even if you have another ‘St John Passion’ this is still an essential purchase. As it is on Chandos you will pay less than £10 for 110 minutes of superlative music retelling the greatest of all stories.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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