Bach, J.S.: St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244 (Excerpts)

Featuring

Masaaki Suzuki
Gerd Türk
Peter Kooij
Nancy Argenta
Robin Blaze
Makoto Sakurada

Chiyuki Urano
Bach Collegium Japan
Bach Collegium Japan Chorus
Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

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Recording & Production

This recording was originally conceived as one of the first surround sound recordings but was initially released only in a stereo version due to market limitations.

Recording & Production

The surround sound recordings aim to reproduce the natural sound of a concert venue using a 5.0 configuration, meaning all five channels are recorded with the full frequency range and no separate bass channel.

Interpretation

The Bach Collegium Japan, an orchestra and choir founded by Masaaki Suzuki, strives to present ideal performances of Baroque religious music, especially Bach's works, using period instruments and historically informed performance practices.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach did not aim to create a work of genius or cement his reputation, but rather to communicate and enrich the faith he shared with his listeners.

Performer Biography

Masaaki Suzuki, the director of Bach Collegium Japan, began his career as a church organist at age twelve and later studied harpsichord and organ in Amsterdam.

Composer Biography

Bach experienced significant personal tragedy, losing both parents by age nine, many of his 20 children in infancy, and his first wife at a young age.