Reviews
Review Search
Jesus Christ Opera Star
Concerts of Bach’s St John Passion are familiar Eastertide events. Now the crucifixion is being staged at English National Opera. Can the director Deborah Warner retain its sacred heart?
Each Good Friday for the past five years (and the same this Easter – the 250th anniversary of JS Bach's death) Stephen Layton has conducted Bach’s St John Passion at St John’s, Smith...
The English National Opera brings Bach to vivid dramatic life
Against a pale yellow background the chorus appears in silhouette, standing in rows. On the back wall of the stage is projected the face of a dying man. As the orchestra and chorus launch into the troubled opening music, one spotlight moves among the singers. It lingers on individuals, for this production of Bach's St. John Passion...
Throughout the disc, Graham Johnson's accompaniments are typically illuminating with numerous touches of detail glossed over by many pianists. And, as ever, his vastly comprehensive notes, amounting to no less than a book, are in a class of their own.
Throughout this year and through 10 concerts and lectures and a most readworthy book, the unique project Er Viborg Stift will draw a picture of how we became the people, the society and the church we are today. The concert part presents several "highs". The two with Polyphony were alpine peaks. The programme was formed as a musical church service. Stephen Layton had selected the works from the...
This disc is a must for any serious Schubert collector, its pleasures enhanced by Graham Johnson's observant accompaniments and his copious notes, dazzling as ever in their erudition, wit and range of illusion.
A feast of finely wrought, intelligent interpretations… the readings make an indelible impression.