Search - Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki :: J.S. Bach: Matthäus-Passion

A leader of the pack...

Guy Cutting | 06/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion is one of the highest achievements of western composition but also of humanity as a whole. It is an essential component of any classical collection (or any collection for that matter). Also, depending on what the listener is prepared to put into the listening experience it can be intensely moving and fulfilling (its length only contributing to the experience). If you don't own a recording of this work already, this recording is a good choice for you. I'll put it in the context of the other recordings I'm familiar with: one recording conducted by Herreweghe and another by Klemperer. Herreweghe's is more dramatic, which is a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. It is probably the best choice for first exposure to the SMP because of that drama - it is a more engaging first experience. But Suzuki's version here has its own set of merits. The tempi are generally brisk (like Herreweghe's) but in a few important places (such as Kommt, ihr tochter, the opening chorus) the pace is slightly slower, giving the listener a better chance to keep pace with this enourmously intricate double choir section. Suzuki's comments in the liner notes (but more importantly his interpretive decisions) indicate that his focus here is contemplation and devotion. The evangelist, Gerd Turk, preserves a sense of understatement in this music (I mean that as a compliment) - his performance is, I think, more in keeping with the sense of the work than is Bostridge's (under Herreweghe). Peter Kooij is an excellent soloist, though I think I slightly prefer the sound of Franz-Josef Selig on the other recording. The choral sound here is good - clean and focused (slightly more, in places, than in the Herreweghe). The balance with the orchestra is good. The remaining soloists are all solid. On an aesthetic level I dislike the "period instrument" sound and musicologically I reject the authenticist position, but if you prefer that approach then this recording is for you. If not, then Klemperer's recording (from 1962 I think) would be my choice (read my review of that recording for more information). But even so I can gladly recommend Suzuki's recording. If you don't own a recording of this work, this one is a fine choice. If you are looking for another recording, this one offers some things that others don't and is a worthwhile buy."

Wow!

Guy Cutting | 03/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stunning achievement. This, and Gardiner's recording on Archive/DGG, are superb. Where Suzuki has the edge is in the overall dramatic sweep. The recitatives come alive in this performance."

Exceptional

Guy Cutting | 04/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The whole disc gives great pleasure. The soundtrack is outstanding.The german language comes out well. Like the St.John's Passion by the same group, it is a great musical experience."