J.S. Bach: St Matthew Passion, BWV 244 (Matthäus-Passion)

J.S. Bach: St Matthew Passion, BWV 244 (Matthäus-Passion)

A rich, spatial sound is just one sterling attribute of this recording of Bach’s more popular Passion. Werner Güra makes for a splendid Evangelist, while the choral work—split between the Berlin RIAS Chamber Chorus and Berlin State And Cathedral Choir—is heavenly. Though it wouldn’t be a René Jacobs interpretation if there weren’t a couple of idiosyncrasies (including the choice of lute accompaniment during “Komm, Süßes Kreuz”), the conductor ably manages the difficult task of letting certain sections breathe while keeping the whole work moving with undeniable propulsion.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada