Product Details

• Actors: Stephen Cleobury
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Language: German
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Brilliant Classics
• DVD Release Date: January 25, 2005
• Run Time: 115 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B00077BPGE
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #205,719 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan, July 29, 2009

By	George Peabody "Ariel" (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

A RE-RELEASE OF AN INSPIRATIONAL 1996 DVD THAT INCLUDES A STERLING PERFORMANCE BY THE KING'S COLLEGE CHOIR AND SIX OUTSTANDING SOLOISTS!

Since the first century the readings of Christ's Passion have become a central part of the liturgy of Holy Week, and therefore it is no surprise that the 'passion' gradually evolved into a distinct musical genre. The outstanding musical and artistic achievement of J.S.Bach (1685-1750) in his passions is that the biblical text remains at the heart of what is expressed in each work. Another notable feature is the large number of chorales by comparison with contemporary passions. He also observes the tradition with respect to the soloists: the Evangelist's narrative always a tenor and the words of Jesus to a bass.

The St. John Passion was first performed in Holy Week, 1724. The fact that it is in two parts is because the sermon would have been in between them. Although the two passions by J.S.Bach belong to the same tradition, there are very important differences between them. Compared to his St.Matthew Passion, with its numerous arias and ariosos and its integrated tonal scheme, the ST. John Passion is more dramatic with its trial scenes, and in some respects more audacious too!

This DVD includes an outstanding group of five soloists and instrumentalists who are very much a part of the Baroque music scene. In addition, the chorus is made up of all males and thus have soprano and male altos which is somewhat of a rarity amongst the existing versions of the Passion. The results: a pure crystallline sound at the top and a rich vibrant-like tone in the middle.

Stephen Cleobury guides his well-trained King's College Choir using a slightly faster tempo than some other versions, and in fact, attacks the music with much power and passion. The overall rendition on the part of the choir is perfection. They sing with enthusiasm, correct interpretation, flawless diction and are truly, as per usual, most enjoyable to hear.

The soloists include: Catherine Bott(soprano), although far from harsh, sings with a cutting tone that suits the overall approach - Michael Chance's (countertenor) lovely legato singing is extremely impressive ( he is the consummate Bach singer),especially in the Aria 'Von den strickkenmeiner Sunde', and is incredibly moving in the aria 'Es ist Volbracht;. John Mark Ainsley (tenor) is a faultless Evangelist, who throughout emphasizes the dramatic, and is at his best in the powerful recitative 'Barabas Aber War..', with its starting triplets and double dotted bass line. Stephen Varcoe (bass), with his commanding vocal sound sings most effectively and dramatically in the aria 'Mein Trever Heiland....'and Paul Agnew (tenor), with his resonant quality contributes much pathos and intensity, which is much in keeping with the entire drama.

If you prefer the all male choir and the modern approach to Bach on period instruments, this DVD will no doubt be your preference. There is also a CD of this performance.

As with most BRILLIANT recordings, etc. there are no liner notes, but after viewing this wonderful performance, it didn't make any difference in my enjoyment of it. After all, most of us know the story!