"This is one of the two best versions of the St John Passion that are currently available. For my taste the best is the Suzuki version on DVD. This is moving as well but tries harder to be historically informed. Both versions use excellent instrumental ensembles and very strong soloists.
There are, however distinct differences between these two versions. First, Suzuki uses a small contemporary mixed voice choir and a female alto. Cleobury uses a historically accurate all-male choir and a countertenor singing the alto part. Second, this vesion includes as an appendix about 25 minutes of music which does not appear in the final version (published well after Bach's death).Suzuki uses only the published version.
If you prefer cleanly articulated voices singing the soprano line in the chorus choose Suzuki. If you like the angelic sound of treble voices in the chorus choose this. If you like the wide vibrato of a female alto soloist choose Suzuki. If you like a clear male voice singing the alto solo choose this one. If you like a deeply felt dramatic version choose Suzuki. If you want a complete version choose this one. Of course, at a bargain price for this one there is no reason why you shouldn't get both.
One caveat with this one - the booklet does not contain an english translation of the libretto."