Authentic, more authentic, most authentic… Ever since the 1970s, Bach researchers and performers have been tireless in their search for how Bach's music could have sounded in his day. A large or small ensemble? Female or boy voices? Vibrato or not? Organ or harpsichord? Not to mention the pace, which has generally increased over the decades. In short: in this new recording of the St John Passion,
… a small ensemble, women, vibrato, harpsichord and chest organ are chosen, and a fairly high tempo. The main asset of conductor John Butt, however, is the idea of placing the St John Passion in its liturgical context, namely in the vespers of Good Friday. Thus the passion is surrounded by chants, prayers, and a long sermon. In this far-reaching attempt at authenticity, it is strange to notice that the soloists actually sound quite romantic. The evangelist makes free use of dramatic portamenti, and the bass at times sounds almost like a nineteenth-century song. The soprano and alto are more neutral, and in my opinion also more convincing. The interpretation is further characterized by a strong drama, resulting in a very compelling, virtuoso and absolutely beautiful performance. You can quickly forget that the opening chorus almost sounds like a battle song, and the soloists sound like opera heroes. But whether it sounded like that in Bach's time? (TC) and on the bass it sometimes sounds almost like a nineteenth century song. The soprano and alto are more neutral, and in my opinion also more convincing. The interpretation is further characterized by a strong drama, resulting in a very compelling, virtuoso and absolutely beautiful performance. It is easy to forget that the opening chorus almost sounds like a battle song, and the soloists sound like opera heroes. But whether it sounded like that in Bach's time? (TC) and on the bass it sometimes sounds almost like a nineteenth century song. The soprano and alto are more neutral, and in my opinion also more convincing. The interpretation is further characterized by a strong drama, resulting in a very compelling, virtuoso and absolutely beautiful performance. You can quickly forget that the opening chorus almost sounds like a battle song, and the soloists sound like opera heroes. But whether it sounded like that in Bach's time? (TC) But whether it sounded like that in Bach's time? (TC) But whether it sounded like that in Bach's time? (TC)more
