This album was recorded in Königslutter in 2003. It features internationally acclaimed soloists, including Mark Padmore (Evangelist), Hanno Müller-Brachmann (Jesus), Peter Harvey (Pilatus) and Bernarda Fink.

The booklet contains original notes by John Eliot Gardiner and texts in German, English and French.

Considered to be an expressive and intimate oratorio, the St John Passion was conceived by J S Bach both as a work of art and an act of worship in itself. It has a subtle balance between narrative and contemplative, juxtaposing vivid re-enactment and dramatic scene-setting in the ariosos and arias, with stretches of exposition of its meaning in chorales.

The music is in turns evocative, stirring, exultant and profoundly moving. It forces the listener to contemplate the complexities of the Passion story. Regardless of one’s religious view, it captures our attention from beginning to end.

“A spectacular performance… the memory will long remain.” - MusicOMH.com

“The orchestral contribution of The English Baroque Soloists was outstanding… Mark Padmore was on superb form as the Evangelist.” - Classicalsource.com

“Exactingly schooled and dramatically compelling.” - Opera Today