By contrast, other recordings are more agile. Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s tempi may be brisk at times, but his is a refreshing and moving reading. It contains superb singing, in particular from Matthias Goerne as Christ, who is compelling, and Bernarda Fink, who delivers a charming ‘Erbarme dich mein Gott’ – as indeed does Andreas Scholl in Philippe Herreweghe’s version. Scholl blends beautifully with the Collegium Vocale and with (evangelist) Ian Bostridge’s narration displaying impeccable tonal quality, this recording doesn’t disappoint.
Amid this wealth of superb recordings, the one that stands out for its sense of involvement and clarity of recording is by Harnoncourt, who combines with his forces to produce a truly great Passion in every sense of the word.
Pygmalion / Raphaël Pichon: This recording of Bach’s St Matthew Passion has extraordinary impact – rich in remarkable singing which conveys an intense humanity, and a superb sense of pace and drama, all beautifully recorded.