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Bach, J.S.: St. John Passion

5/1/2004, 41 Tracks, 1:50:18

Featuring

  • Edward Higginbottom
  • James Bowman
  • James Gilchrist
  • Matthew Beale
  • Eamonn Dougan
  • Colin Baldy
  • John Bernays
  • Joe Littlewood
  • Choir of New College Oxford
  • Collegium Novum
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

1/6

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in the Chapel of New College Oxford over several sessions between July 2001 and June 2002.

Source: Booklet

Album & Artwork

The cover image for this album is 'Crucifixion I' (1991) by Craigie Aitchison, an artist born in 1926.

Source: Booklet

Interpretation

This recording aims for authenticity by using period instruments and boys' voices, as Bach would have used at St Thomas's in Leipzig.

Source: Booklet

Critical Reception

Bach's St John Passion was criticized in its day for being too operatic, but it is now revered for its originality, faith, and musical beauty.

Source: Booklet

Interpretation

This recording of the St John Passion features all soloists who are former or current members of New College Choir, highlighting the vitality of the choral tradition.

Source: Booklet

Compositional Technique

In Bach's St John Passion, soloists act as participants in the event while also reflecting on it in arias, and the choir's role shifts from a mob to a congregation.

Source: Booklet

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