Everyone knows the St Matthew Passion by Bach; despite whether or not you know the name, there is a high likelihood you will have heard parts of it here and there. Though what is often forgotten is that Bach originally wrote five Passions. These choral settings all look at the Passion of Christ, or the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus according to the different Gospels. Three of those are lost to us forever, but the St John Passion survives in all its glory. Unfortunately not performed very frequently, it is nonetheless a work that is well worth seeking out.

The Academy of Ancient Music is considered one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. With its roots tracing back to 1726, it consistently produces some of the finest recordings in the world of classical music. Performing on period instruments, its interpretations are always flavoured with intense musicianship as well as that particular sound that cannot be found when these works are recorded on modern instruments. In this, the AAM goes back through all the revised scores of the St John Passion and performs it in its original 1724 version.

This is a young Bach exploring different ideas, and as AAM director Richard Egarr states, this version is ‘more muscular’ than you might expect. Bold, rhythmic ideas are brought forward and in the presentation of this music, you can feel Bach melding the worlds of opera and church to create a new form of worship. Each of the singers is superb in their roles, with the chorus solid and, at the right moments, raucous enough to be the crowd baying for Christ’s blood. This is music to reflect on, music to use for prayer, or simply music that reflects the power of religion coupled with that of an amazing composer.

Kate Rockstrom