A wonderful performance in the vernacular - A sacred work un
KC | London, England | 03/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a 'good reformed Christian' Bach would loathe 'authentic' productions of his work. He believed the text was central to his work. Indeed, the very reason both St. John's and St. Matthew's Passions are so dramatically compelling are to highlight the importance of the Easter story. It is a pity that musical concerns so offen take prescedence, that form matters more than content. We shouldn't have to be German speakers to understand this sublime work.
Willcocks conducts a performance on modern instruments, which adds to the smoothness of the string accompaniments. This a beautiful performance which brings the emotional depth of this work to life for an English speaking audience. I am writing this review in Holy Week and appreciate that listening to this work is an act of worship, which edifies and uplifts, as well as entertains.
All the soloists are first class, with Robert Tear's evangelist particularly beautiful and expressive. This is a moving performance taken at an appropriate pace. The whole of Willcock's Passion lasts for 3 hours and 9 mins, as apposed to Gardiner's 'authentic' performance of 2 hours and 37 mins. For a work of this nature the slower, more sober pace can only add greater depth to the dramatic import of the sacred nature of the story. The choir of boys from St. Paul's Cathedral and the Bach Choir are also superb.
If you want a Saint Matthew's Passion that uplifts then this performance is ideal. One example is the aria (sung very movingly by Stephen Roberts), "Come, sacred cross." The profundity of it's quiet power and beauty are deeply affecting in a way that following a libretto of a German version can never truly be.
I love the Willcocks St. Matthew's Passion and feel sure you will gain much by listening to and understanding this studio performance. The only slight moan is about the booklet accompanying the CDs. It would have been helpful to have the track numbers printed next to their words on each of the seperate sections of the work.
"
Beautifully sung and performed in an older style
Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 03/20/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"David Wilcocks' "St Matthew Passion" was recorded in England in 1978 and reflects the performing style of its era -- somewhat broad, religious and lovingly done. It was reissued by Decca a few years back after last seeing light of day on the ASV Quicksilver discount label in the 1990s. For many years it was the only complete English version available for people that want to hear this wonderful music in English. A 2009 period-style recording led by Jeffrey Skidmore now joins the ranks of complete English performances of the St. Matthew Passion.
For those that don't care about that and want fine singing, religious conviction and spiritual drama, this has all that. The singing is committed throughout with legendary singers from Decca's stock -- tenor Robert Tear as the Evangelist, baritone John Shirley Quirk as Christ, soprano Felicity Lott, contralto Alfreda Hodgson, tenor Neil Jenkins and bass Stephen Roberts -- in the cast. Conductor David Willcocks was one of Decca's very best vocal leaders.
A couple things may keep this from being a top flight recommendation in 2009. The amateur Bach Choir and the Boys of St. Paul's Cathedral Choir sing well but the recording is unfocused making the sound very different from modern, especially period, productions. The orchestral playing also reflects an older genre circa 1978. When I listened to this side by side with Skidmore's new production (which is not yet available in USA), the differences were obvious in almost all regards.
Still, this is a warm and gracious recording with religious conviction that is far more than satisfactory to anyone that wants to hear the music in English. This recording deserves the adjective classic in every regard."
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1