Product Details

• Actors: Paul Hillier, Hilliard Ensemble
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: February 12, 2002
• Run Time: 74 minutes
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• ASIN: B00005UQ8M
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,024 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  Movies & TV > Special Interests > Religion & Spirituality > Christian DVD > Jesus

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
In this account of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, Arvo Pärt has found appropriate material for his very popular minimalist style. The Vulgate Latin text, taken from the Gospel of John, relates the harrowing story of Jesus' arrest, trial before Pilate and Caiaphas, betrayal by Peter, and death on the cross with a matter-of-fact, straightforward simplicity that is perfectly matched by the calm detachment and slow-moving simplicity of Pärt's music.

This simplicity, reminiscent of medieval plainchant, is achieved through rather complex resources: two soloists--Michael George for the words of Christ, John Potter for those of Pilate; the remaining members of the Hilliard Ensemble singing the Gospel narrative in harmony; a small chorus for the words of the crowd and other characters; and a chamber ensemble (oboe, bassoon, violin, cello, and organ) to accompany the voices. The performance and cathedral ambiance are just right. --Joe McLellan

Product Description
Composer Arvo Part wrote "St. John Passion" in such a way that it recalls the purity and timelessness of the great musical Passions from the seventeenth century. Taken from Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen of the "Gospel According to St. John," the piece is sung in Latin and includes an introduction. Durham Cathedral, one of Europe's noblest medieval monuments, provides a fitting backdrop for the performance. Conducted by Paul Hillier.