I've seen this program on EWTN, as part of the "In Concert" series. I recently taped this so I can be caught up in the religious performance for years to come. Stephen Cleobury has placed his effort to conduct the St. John Passion (1725 version) wonderfully. The King's College Choir sings like angels combined with saints. The soloists are out of this world! I find John Mark Ainsley a very dramatic Evangelist.(Nte how he draws his vowels in some of his recitatives!) I like the other soloists as well as Ainsley. Stephen Richardson's Jesus sounds like a wise chap. Stephen Varcoe vocalizes in the same gusto as Ainsley, but he sings Pilate and the bass arias. Catherine Bott sings in a warm tone in her arias. Paul Agnew sings a higher timbre than Ainsley, but he has a bit of expression. Last but not least, I LOVE the appealing alto voice of Michael Chance. He's my favorite countertenor! Overall, the soloists are glorious! The Brandenburg Consort, directed by Roy Goodman, brings the concert together. The female players are donned in red, as in their televised concerts. The strings, continuo players, and woodwinds blend well with the famous male choir. What an enticing performance! I give this 10/10 stars!
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