Bach, J.S.: St. Matthew Passion BWV 244

Matthäus-Passion St. Matthew Passion York · Gooding · Kozená · Bickley Padmore · Gilchrist · Harvey · Loges Gabrieli Players Paul McCreesh Int. Release 03 Mar. 2003 2 CDs / Download 0289 474 2002 6 2 CDs DDD AH2 ARCHIV Produktion Gramophone - Jonathan Freeman-Attwood [May 2003 CD of the Month] In the distinguished performance history of the Great Passion, this is a dynamic and powerful new reading.... There is some outstandingly characterized singing to be heard here.... A memorably and vitally conceived new account. International Record Review - Simon Heighes This is the most radical reassessment of the St. Matthew Passion since Nikolaus Harnoncourt's pioneering period-instrument recording some 30 years ago. McCreesh's version may not be flawless, but to my ears it is a marvellous first attempt at recording the work with very small-scale forces -- in fact, it's a complete vindication of the approach. BBC Online - Graeme Kay Padmore is now the leading British Evangelist of his generation, but all eight singers rise impeccably to the twin challenges of distinctive solo arias and blending as a chorus. The set as a whole exudes an entirely captivating intimacy: the moments of highest drama, paradoxically, are enhanced and not diminished by the absence of a big chorus. This is the most radical reassessment of the St. Matthew Passion since Nikolaus Harnoncourt's pioneering period-instrument recording some 30 years ago. McCreesh's version may not be flawless, but to my ears it is a marvellous first attempt at recording the work with very small-scale forces -- in fact, it's a complete vindication of the approach.