St. Matthew Passion Main Performer or Conductor: Frans Bruggen Accompaniment/Orchestra: Orchestra of the 18th Century Soloists: Nico van der Meel, Kristinn Sigmundsson, Maria Christina Kiehr, Mona Julsrud, Claudia Schubert, Wilke te Brummelstroete, Ian Bostridge, Toby Spence, Peter Kooy, Harry van der Kamp Instrumentation: Bassoon Cello Choir Flute Harpsichord Oboe Orchestra Organ Recorder Viola Violin Voice Individual Works: St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Philips Catalog Number: 454 434-2 Year Released/Recorded: 1996 Total Playing Time: 2h39'57" Comments: Ryan Hare said: A compelling, subtle, and instense performance. Not as exhibitionist in terms of conducting as some, this performances accumulates tension. The instrumentalists are uniformly superb, but there are some weaknesses among some of the soloists. The Evangelist, Nico van der Meel, might not be to everyone's taste, and perhaps could be accused of being a bit mannered sometimes, but nothing that bothers me particularly. Also the choral sound is a bit on the unclear side, in fact the recording quality in generally wants for "space" or "room to breathe." However, this seems like a cavil given the strengths of the performance as a whole. Martin Sweaney said: I am willing to accept a variety of styles of interpretation, and this one tends to the the intimate. Some of the chorales are a bit on the fast side, but I am bowled over by the beauty of the complicated ensemble numbers, which are never showy. The very sparing use of vocal vibrato is quite effective at moments of dissonance. The instrumental soloists are right on the money. Hats off to a fine performance. Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Ryan Hare Martin Sweaney Date First Submitted: 06/19/2001 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.

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