The first recording of Bach's St. Matthew Passion by the Bach Collegium Japan was published in 1999. At that time, the company had only begun to record Bach's church music. That project has now been completed for a long time. It is possible that Masaaki Suzuki thought it was time for a new recording of the Matthäus in 2019. This recording also exudes that typical atmosphere of dedication that is
… so typical of the Bach Collegium Japan. The performance seldom makes a rushed impression, although the edition has only two SACDs. The atmosphere is predominantly devout. Only with the 'Blitze' and 'Donner' does the drama break through. Are there still novelties to report? In that respect, Suzuki is mainly talking about the new organ (for the continuo), which was specially made to Suzuki's wishes by the organ builder Marc Garnier. It is a full-fledged organ positive that is larger and fuller in sound than a box organ, but can be disassembled and transported if desired. The organ even seems to be able to switch from 'Chorton' (a '= c. 465) to' Kammerton '(a' = c. 415). Somehow it reminds a bit of the Monteverdi organ used by the ensemble in our country around. (HJ)more
