Bach - St John Passion BWV 245 - Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

The St John Passion, performed by the Nederlands Bach Society for All of Bach, was the first Passion Bach had written as cantor in Leipzig. The Passion story as told in the Gospel of John is different from that told by the other three evangelists - Matthew, Luke and Mark. John’s version places the emphasis on Christ’s divine origin. Throughout his suffering, this divine origin still plays a role and nowhere is Jesus as human as in the other gospels.
For this performance, we selected a cast of singers under the age of 35. Apart from the leaders, all the orchestra members are also younger than 35. The concert series was preceded by a course of auditions and masterclasses.
Recorded for the project All of Bach on March 11th 2017 at the Grote Kerk, Naarden. If you want to help us complete All of Bach, please subscribe to our channel bit.ly/2vhCeFB and consider donating bit.ly/2uZuMj5.
For the interview with musicians from the Netherlands Bach Society on the St John Passion go to • Musicians on Bach St J...
For the interview with conductor Jos van Veldhoven on leitmotifs in the St John Passion go to • Van Veldhoven on Bach ...
For the behind-the-scenes of the auditions for the St John Passion go to • Bach - St John Passion...
For the behind-the-scenes of the masterclasses for BWV 245 go to • Bach - St John Passion...
For the behind-the-scenes of the general rehearsal of BWV 245 go to • Bach - St John Passion...
For more information on BWV 245 and this production go to allofbach.com/en/bwv/bwv-245/
All of Bach is a project of the Netherlands Bach Society / Nederlandse Bachvereniging, offering high-quality film recordings of the works by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed by the Netherlands Bach Society and her guest musicians. Visit our free online treasury for more videos and background material allofbach.com/en/. For concert dates and further information go to www.bachvereniging.nl/nederla....
Netherlands Bach Society
Jos van Veldhoven, conductor
Soloists
Raphael Höhn, evangelist (tenor)
Myriam Arbouz, soprano
Maria Valdmaa (Maid), soprano
Daniël Elgersma, alto
Marine Fribourg, alto
Gwilym Bowen, tenor
Guy Cutting (Servant), tenor
Felix Schwandtke (Jesus), bass
Drew Santini (Peter), bass
Angus Mc Phee (Pilate), bass
0:00:00 Herr unser Herrscher (Chor)
0:11:42 Jesum von Nazareth (Chor)
0:13:03 O große Lieb (Choral)
0:15:16 Dein Will gescheh (Choral)
0:17:06 Von den Stricken meiner Sünden (Arie)
0:21:56 Ich folge dir gleichfalls (Arie)
0:28:31 Wer hat dich so geschlagen (Choral)
0:30:55 Bist du nicht seiner Jünger (Chor)
0:32:53 Ach, mein Sinn (Arie)
0:36:05 Petrus, der nicht denkt zurück (Choral)
0:37:40 Christus, der uns selig macht (Choral)
0:39:31 Wäre dieser nicht einer Übeltäter (Chor)
0:40:42 Wir dürfen niemand töten (Chor)
0:43:00 Ach großer König (Choral)
0:46:12 Nicht diesen, sondern Barrabam (Chor)
0:46:55 Betrachte, meine Seel (Arioso)
0:49:23 Erwäge, wie sein blutgefärbter Rücken (Arie)
0:56:24 Sei gegrüßet, lieber Jüdenkönig (Chor)
0:57:50 Kreuzige, kreuzige (Chor)
0:58:59 Wir haben ein Gesetz (Chor)
1:01:36 Durch dein Gefängnis, Gottes Sohn (Choral)
1:02:50 Lässest du diesen los (Chor)
1:04:35 Weg, weg mit dem (Chor)
1:05:42 Wir haben keinen König (Chor)
1:06:46 Eilt, ihr angefochtnen Seelen (Arie)
1:11:46 Schreibe nicht: der Jüden König (Chor)
1:12:39 In meines Herzens Grunde (Choral)
1:14:32 Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen (Chor)
1:17:46 Er nahm alles wohl in acht (Choral)
1:20:28 Es ist vollbracht (Arie)
1:26:21 Mein teurer Heiland (Arie)
1:31:03 Mein Herz indem die ganze Welt (Arioso)
1:32:01 Zerfließe, mein Herze (Arie)
1:40:43 O hilf, Christe, Gottes Sohn (Choral)
1:43:44 Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine (Chor)
1:50:43 Ach Herr, laß dein lieb Engelein (Choral)

[@smuecke]

*Akt 1:* Verrat und Gefangennahme 0:00:17 Chorus _Herr unser Herrscher_ 0:10:33 Rezitativ+Chorus _Jesus ging mit seinen Jüngern_ 0:13:03 Choral _O große Lieb_ 0:14:05 Rezitativ _Auf daß das Wort erfüllet würde_ 0:15:16 Choral _Dein Will gescheh_ *Akt 2:* Verleumdung 0:16:23 Rezitativ _Die Schar aber und der Oberhauptmann_ 0:17:06 Arie _Von den Stricken meiner Sünden_ 0:21:40 Rezitativ _Simon Petrus aber folgete Jesu nach_ 0:21:56 Arie _Ich folge dir gleichfalls_ 0:25:24 Rezitativ _Derselbige Jünger war dem Hohenpriester bekannt_ 0:28:31 Choral _Wer hat dich so geschlagen_ 0:30:37 Rezitativ+Chorus _Und Hannas sandte ihn gebunden_ 0:32:53 Arie _Ach, mein Sinn_ 0:36:05 Choral _Petrus, der nicht denkt zurück_ *Akt 3:* Verhör und Geißelung 0:37:40 Choral _Christus, der uns selig macht_ 0:38:55 Rezitativ _Da führeten sie Jesum_ 0:39:31 Chorus _Wäre dieser nicht ein Übeltäter_ 0:40:30 Rezitativ _Da sprach Pilatus zu ihnen_ 0:40:42 Chorus _Wir dürfen niemand töten_ 0:41:18 Rezitativ _Auf daß erfüllet würde das Wort_ 0:43:00 Choral _Ach großer König_ 0:44:47 Rezitativ _Da sprach Pilatus zu ihm_ 0:46:12 Chorus _Nicht diesen, sondern Barrabam_ 0:46:22 Rezitativ _Barrabas aber war ein Mörder_ 0:46:55 Arioso _Betrachte, meine Seel_ 0:49:23 Arie _Erwäge, wie sein blutgefärbter Rücken_ 0:56:07 Rezitativ _Und die Kriegskneckte flochten eine Krone_ 0:56:24 Chorus _Sei gegrüßet, lieber Judenkönig_ 0:56:57 Rezitativ _Und gaben ihm Backenstreiche_ 0:57:50 Chorus _Kreuzige, kreuzige_ 0:58:41 Rezitativ _Pilatus sprach zu ihnen_ 0:58:59 Chorus _Wir haben ein Gesetz_ 1:00:10 Rezitativ _Da Pilatus das Wort hörete_ 1:01:36 Choral _Durch dein Gefängnis, Gottes Sohn_ 1:02:46 Rezitativ _Die Jüden aber schrieen und sprachen_ 1:02:50 Chorus _Lässest du diesen los_ 1:03:57 Rezitativ _Da Pilatus das Wort hörete_ 1:04:35 Chorus _Weg, weg mit dem_ 1:05:31 Rezitativ _Spricht Pilatus zu ihnen_ 1:05:42 Chorus _Wir haben keinen König_ 1:05:54 Rezitativ _Da überantwortete er ihn_ 1:06:46 Arie _Eilt, ihr angefochtnen Seelen_ *Akt 4:* Kreuzigung und Tod 1:10:32 Rezitativ _Allda kreuzigten sie ihn_ 1:11:46 Chorus _Schreibe nicht: der Jüden König_ 1:12:20 Rezitativ _Pilatus antwortet_ 1:12:39 Choral _In meines Herzens Grunde_ 1:13:58 Rezitativ _Die Kriegsknechte aber_ 1:14:32 Chorus _Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen_ 1:15:54 Rezitativ _Auf daß erfüllet würde die Schrift_ 1:17:46 Choral _Er nahm alles wohl in acht_ 1:19:10 Rezitativ _Und von Stund an nahm sie der Jünger_ 1:20:28 Arie _Es ist vollbracht_ 1:25:55 Rezitativ _Und neiget das Haupt_ 1:26:21 Arie _Mein teurer Heiland, laß dich fragen_ 1:30:35 Rezitativ _Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss_ 1:31:03 Arioso _Mein Herz, in dem die ganze Welt_ 1:32:01 Arie _Zerfließe, mein Herze_ 1:38:35 Rezitativ _Die Jüden aber, dieweil es der Rüsttag war_ 1:40:43 Choral _O hilf, Christe, Gottes Sohn_ *Akt 5:* Grablegung 1:41:57 Rezitativ _Darnach bat Pilatum Joseph von Arimathia_ 1:43:44 Chorus _Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine_ 1:50:43 Choral _Ach Herr, laß dei lieb Englein_

[@bach]

Hi Smuecke, nowadays we add our own timestamps to our videos. However, these timestamps are very good! Would you be interested in filling in the rest of the sections? Then we will pin your comment. Greeting, AoB

[@smuecke]

Done. Timestamps in your new videos would be much appreciated!

[@stereotyp9991]

thank you very very much +smuecke

[@lit2021]

Thank you so much, I was looking for a specific part. This made it so much easier!

[@amelie5475]

Danke!

[@andrewporter1348]

Man, the fact that I didn't have to pay to hear the perfect rendition of this composition is unreal,

[@classicgameplay10]

Well, Internet and electricity isnt free.

[@otome798]

Stingy alert

[@luisjuarezquixtan5746]

Beauty of Technology

[@luccianodip]

Amazing !

[@axelschafer8552]

You had to pay the internet and also the energy

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

Unpopular opinion: even though the Matthäus-Passion is regarded as one of the milestones of sacred Baroque music, the Johannes-Passion is still my favourite of Bach's Passions.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

I obviously wasn't listening to the St John Passion properly beforehand, because I listened to the entire thing this morning, and I was stunned.

[@nicolasmotte2427]

I find it superior to the saint Matthew's passion (More generally I find it superior to every other piece of music I have ever heard, hence the superiority over the st Matthew's passion)

[@ootbma1]

I sang it as alto in the choir in Kingston Ontario. One of the best music things I have done in my life❤

[@alvarogomezcobos7563]

Mine too!

[@sarahmarsh360]

I totally agree!

[@Liskafm352]

It´s Good Friday 2024, and I came to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first public performance of this mass ⠀💝 thank you, JS. I hope you´re watching from heaven. And thank you too, @netherlands bach society, for this beautiful interpretation 😻

[@jakevancour5299]

Wow, I didn’t know this piece was exactly 300 years old.

[@Liskafm352]

@@jakevancour5299it is actually today! 7th April 🎉

[@jesusislordandlovesyou3853]

“The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit.” ― J.S. Bach Glory be to our Father in Heaven, to the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus for this music!

[@gustavstutzmann9878]

Agreed! By the way, I kindly recommend the appreciation of the work of a living classical composer dedicated mostly to sacred music. I feel myself like a sort of non-official ambassador for his music - and, effectively, also one of his few supporters. He is very, very talented. You won't be disappointed. kzbin.info

[@gregoryborton6598]

Music itself is a much higher god to worship than Yahweh.

[@georgealderson4424]

@@gregoryborton6598 Without Yahweh there is no music

[@joshuafruend3348]

Listening currently on Good Friday 2023. Thank God for Bach and the Netherlands Bach Society.

[@johnnymcghinty9988]

And I am listening on Good Friday 2024. I totally agree. Outstanding performance.

[@johnchirichigno842]

Same here 2024!

[@JJDSports2012]

And I. What brilliance

[@rd3ster]

I would add that the acoustic in that church is perfect. And whoever set up the microphones and controlled the sound should be heartily thanked and congratulated. Sublime.

[@feinblaeser]

I thought the same, the recording is just outstanding!

[@gustavstutzmann9878]

Absolutely agree! By the way, I kindly recommend the appreciation of the work of a living classical composer dedicated mostly to sacred music. I feel myself like a sort of non-official ambassador for his music - and, effectively, also one of his few supporters. He is very, very talented. You won't be disappointed. kzbin.info

[@displaychicken]

Agreed! The sound quality is one of my favorite things about Netherlands Bach Society.

[@danbrooks4270]

Yes! The sound quality is as good as the performance and the work itself. Perfect!

[@junemoonchild69]

Any and every time I have watched videos of performances inside churches (such as this one) I am always astounded by the sound. Sometimes there are microphones and other times there seem to be none visible. I believe it is simply the acoustics created by the building, and that when these performances first occurred within them, there were no microphones...this is exactly what it sounded like. Amazing! I hope one day to travel (or live) in Europe, and on my list of things to do is to go to a choral performance or mass (Bach being my favorite composer!) like this one.

[@OscarDeltaSierra]

I was working the control booth in a maximum-security prison block on Holy Saturday, and cranked this out the desk speakers throughout the morning. This may be wishful thinking or confirmation bias on my part, but I really got the sense that the inmates were noticeably calmer, more agreeable, and less disruptive and reflexively angry than usual.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

I have seen anecdotal evidence of people with aggression and disobedience problems becoming notably calmer when listening to Bach. In one troubled inner-city school, children who performed badly and normally struggled to concentrate reacted positively when Bach was played in class.

[@edaxsachorwzky8898]

Bach once said: Handel is the only person I wish to meet before I die, and the only person I wish to be If I were not Bach

[@DocVulkan]

KZbin needs a wow button. Clicking thumbs up does not my opinion justice. Fantastic music in fantastic hands

[@billsinn4222]

I agree with the Wow. The opening chorus is a Bach masterpiece and I've never heard it done better!

[@bergfreak8312]

@@billsinn4222 Goosebumps

[@mimimotor]

@@bergfreak8312 Me too. At the first sounds of the choir...

[@oscargill423]

They really do. Not only this video, but many other videos of performances of Bach and other composers have made me wish there was a wow button. So much incredible music in the world, never enough buttons or words to express how incredible.

[@johannsebastianbach3411]

Bach is love, bach is life.

[@Chamorrov]

hahaha love this piece bach, @37:40

[@peterdammeliusosterode3424]

Johann Sebastian Bach Fader Bach är den störste. Gudarnas språkrör till och med för en inbiten hedning som jag.

[@lpeh6143]

Indeed my friend, indeed.

[@lokanoda]

Are you trying to appear "deep"?

[@lokanoda]

Are you trying to appear "deep"?

[@karlgrafvonmoy855]

Ob man dieses ungeheure Werk noch inniger und zugleich dramatischer, klangschöner und ergreifender zu Gehör bringen kann? Bei der Verleugnung Petri schüttelt es einen geradezu vor Mitleid und Reue. Was für herrliche Stimmen!

[@ProfDrhcOfMinistry]

❤️

[@fduschka]

🧢

[@FJ-rh6io]

Also as a native German let me attest to the fact that they’re doing a wonderful job with pronunciation. Very clear with barely an accent.

[@creativemindplay]

You mean barely a foreign accent 🙄

[@FJ-rh6io]

@@creativemindplay yes? why would that need to be specified

[@leacolombini3801]

Straordinaria interpretazione...

[@Freigeist53]

Bach is the most important composer who ever lived.

[@paullewis2413]

Your opinion of course.

[@Freigeist53]

Yes indeed

[@55archduke]

@@paullewis2413 NOT just Panze's opinion. Think about it.

[@RantzBizGroup]

You'll hear every composer after Bach attempt to better him... none of them do, and none of them has/had the talent to tie his shoes. Mozart tried it, the closest he came was the opening to the Requiem and Beethoven was a noise maker. I'll give you this, however, Handel was close!

[@urmorph]

@@RantzBizGroup All such comparisons are invidious.

[@danbrooks4270]

This is the absolute best Bach orchestra and conductor that I've ever heard. Whenever I need to hear Bach I will always listen to the Netherlands Bach Society.

[@IanWard-rp6to]

Absolutely brilliant. A wonderful interpretation. Superb. It brings me to tears as a Christian.

[@matthijshebly]

The harmonic twists and turns in Herr unser Herrscher are insane. A milestone in Western classical music.

[@NickFr66]

This was the genius of JSB... Plus the counterpoint he was mastering 😊

[@carloscarrillo7049]

my fav right now

[@LRSCA]

the best of human culture and so many people have no idea

[@urmorph]

As if the music itself were not enough to make one weep.

[@uhohoverflow]

@@urmorph Yeah, imagine being a super devout Protestant in the 18th century and then hear this piece performed in church. As if you needed further proof God existed ...

[@harryscher5762]

Wow, an incredible thought -- yet so very true. So many people have no idea who JS Bach was or his contributions to the human culture.

[@pedrocorrea6870]

@@uhohoverflow Most christian not even try to glorify God. Most who try fall short. Bach is one of the ones who succeded. I hope in heaven he is given the honours of a saint considering music like this is nothing short of a miracle.

[@walteralvarezperalta6270]

Como católico que soy no puedo dejar de sentir eterna gratitud por el luterano Bach. No me canso de escuchar la Pasión según San Juan, quedó hipnotizado y con una Fe cada vez más sólida. Saludos desde Perú.

[@georgeswalwell6508]

I have been a Bach lover for 70 years, finding new treasures (and old ones) on KZbin. This is an exquisite, powerful, moving performance of one of the greatest works by JSB. I loved the singing, the playing, the conducting and especially the marvelously expressive Evangelist who lived every word he sung. I found the last 10 mins moved me to tears (yet again with this marvel of a work).

[@robertdekrieger]

Me too! I lived in Blaricum in 1951 and went to Naarden to hear the St John. For the last 70 years I have listened to virtually nothing but Bach(and, curiously, Rachmaninoff).

[@claudioortolani7593]

The first 10 mins as well. Astonishing.

[@LindaPgh]

George Swalwell Very well said. I sang St. John for the first time in about 1973. In subsequent encounters my love has only grown. Familiarity breeds delight. This performance put me in a state of utter rapture. So marvelous that it has been recorded for the ages.

[@scfan7231]

I agree! I don't want to go into comparing with other performances.... it is really an excellent performance. I'll come back to it often.

[@glenysself3874]

@@robertdekrieger vespas?

[@bloodreaver6097]

I just love how minimalist Nederlands Bach society goes with their orchestral setup, one vocal for each vocal range and just enough variety to make the pieces so colorful yet so clean... Thank you for all that you do

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Those starting harmonies...for someone to use them in Bach's time is just amazing. It must have mesmerized listeners in Bach time.

[@avryptickle]

Can you imagine!? You’re some yokel from a farm that someone invited to the city to see this performance with no context, no way of knowing what to expect. It would’ve melted your face right off.

[@bachkirche]

To paraphrase Sir John Eliot Gardiner "We don't deserve this music".

[@arastoomii4305]

I know i do

[@MsrAlaindeFerrier]

I utterly disagree, what a rediculous overstuffed shirt he is for saying that. Bach's legacy is so absolutely for all of the people to dip into or just completely adore every single phrase if you so wish X

[@jinnymudlark1815]

Speak for yourself, Mr. Gardiner. Judging your fellows?

[@sgerianda]

indeed we do not, but we need it so desperately, it is so divine....and we need divine more than ever

[@LachlanTyrrell2003]

@@MsrAlaindeFerrier He's obviously trying to emphasize the beauty in Bach's music. You're taking it literally.

[@ssoomee]

This performance of the chorus 'Herr unser Herrscher' is probably the most elegant version I have ever heard, it is played and sung with careful and graceful emotion and thought, and the diction of the main solo singers is excellent Very, very well done

[@GermanGreetings]

...only Gardiner comes close... :)

[@rosaus6]

😍❤💯

[@francoisgirod3934]

It was a real shock for me when I first heard this first piece. One of the most breathtaking piece of music ever written. I'm still in the same mood when I listened to it. Overwhelms me.....

[@zorukk]

Absolutely true🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@FrancoisRigaut]

@@GermanGreetings and perhaps Masaaki Suzuki (1999 recording)...

[@user-uu2mr1cb4d]

Европейской культуре свойственно высшее проявление эмоциональности, чувствительности, пассионарности, а дерзновенный поиск в области неизведанного и постоянное развитие - путь к созданию шедевров. Отказаться от магии этих шедевров совершенно невозможно. Спасибо.

[@robwilde855]

Bach's music, at this level, has done more good than all the preachers and teachers of history.

[@user-uw8dy5lz7p]

Very true !

[@charcello1182]

Si, Si. Yes, yes. C D F

[@hiera1917]

Well they wouldn’t have this music if it weren’t for the one preacher and teacher…

[@robwilde855]

@@hiera1917 That's a good point. Quite true of course. I wrote carelessly, I'm afraid. I was thinking only of the preachers that followed Him, and was probably subconsciously influenced by some of the worst examples from history, literature, and my own experience! All best wishes!

[@jaikee9477]

That's why Bach is also known as the 5th evangelist. Bach delivered the official soundtrack to the bible. Being a Christian myself I can look for the lyrics in scriptures for greater context. Also helpful for non-christians to dive deeper into the narrative and understand what Bach is doing there and why. Bach's understanding of biblical texts easily rivals to that of leading theologians.

[@Mandamus7]

I'm a Sikh guy living in India. To me, St John Passion is so inspiring and refreshing, it restores our faith in the almighty God. It surely is one of most iconic and inspiring works of our beloved Bach. May God empower us all to fight the evil of Islam and emerge victorious. AMEN.

[@chris4321das]

Agreed. However, Bach and his music were written in the context of Christianity. Sikhism is completely foreign and has nothing to do with the God of Judeo-Christianity. Jesus overcame evil on the cross, but yes, we still need to fight evil forces in our lives. That said, the only way to God is through Jesus, who is God the Son. Sikhism is leading you to Hell. John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. www.gotquestions.org/Christianity-beliefs.html

[@Mandamus7]

@@chris4321das My best wishes for you. Cheers.

[@donjoe7339]

@@Mandamus7 never mind the zealot. god bless you.

[@chris4321das]

@@donjoe7339 Did I write anything Bach would disagree with? Also, "god"? Who is this imaginary "god"? Bach was specific about which God he was writing this music for.

[@D2J2N]

@@chris4321das I cannot believe what you just said, it sounds so racist!

[@feinblaeser]

The opening piece is absolut incredible! Goosebumps everytime I hear it.

[@Fernando31611]

I am playing the English suite 3 in G minor and there are a lot of resemblances, perhaps that would be interesting for you to also hear.

[@I3igI30ss]

I feel the same, great to read someone else experience this

[@robwilde855]

I understand. It always makes me weep.

[@pgonyea]

I couldn’t agree more

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Me too, I can barely concentrate on work while listening to this masterpiece!

[@philtanics1082]

There couldnt be better music to express the Gospel of John, written so those who read know Jesus is The Son of God, The Word Himself made Flesh, and through faith in him, receive the gift of salvation and forgivness of our sins. Bach understood this very well, and put to paper the most glorious music ever penned.

[@TimPorterIstanbul]

This kind of religious fundamentalism has no place in 21st century discussions of Bach. It is quite possible to enjoy the beauty of this piece without believing the Gospel stories to be true.

[@carltonafghan]

@@TimPorterIstanbul What arrogant human hubris you have but no wisdom. In fact the problem is that most of the world is pagan.

[@charcello1182]

@@TimPorterIstanbul The Gospel is true. How sad you are! From C D F

[@polishsilverstacker3246]

@@TimPorterIstanbul This is not fundamentalism. Without Christianity there would not be Western Europe nor Canada, nor Bach, no Johannespassion. Imagine how you would be poorer without Christian heritage. Please be more tolerant to those who believe in Jesus Christ (not only to Islam). God bless.

[@saturn722]

@@polishsilverstacker3246 I couldn't have said it better. Only Christianity made this world tolerable to live in for the past 2,000 years! All Christian nations have been dearly blessed by God because they believed in His Son. Today our blessings are slowly being removed by a righteous and just God. America has been continuously blessed since the beginning of it's existence because the principles of Christianity was the foundation on which this country was built upon! We have taken these blessings for granted. There are so many Biblical prophecy's that have come true since they were put to parchment thousands of years ago that even the casual observer has NO EXCUSE not to research what was recorded, before they proclaim God as imaginary!

[@revment]

3 minutes into this and tears are rolling down my face. Absolutely transcendental. As an agnostic I don't believe in the Christian faith, but I can absolutely acknowledge that if there is evidence of God, it can be found in Bach's Passions and how such music could only be inspired by divinity.

[@riverstun]

The divinity inside man

[@bjorndyno2175]

Wonderful performance! I got goosebumps on the "Herr" cries at the beginning. Exceptional!

[@ignaciohmon]

This is absolutely wonderful. I also want to say that it's GREAT to enjoy the entire Passion without being disrupted by annoying ads. Thank you so so so much for this!

[@gustavstutzmann9878]

Indeed, Ignacio! By the way, I kindly recommend the appreciation of the work of a living classical composer dedicated mostly to sacred music. I feel myself like a sort of non-official ambassador for his music - and, effectively, also one of his few supporters. He is very, very talented. You won't be disappointed. kzbin.info

[@frogmouth]

Wonderful.i have listened to St Matthews passion often. This was so good I can't imagine how I have failed to listen to St Johns from beginning to end before now. A gift for our isolation during COVID 19 shut down. The young voices give this an energy that is pure joy.

[@jaapkulk1924]

Wonderschoon

[@iknovate]

I just listened to St. Matthews and now this. I think I prefer this one.

[@bjorndehaese4594]

???

[@rosaus6]

😍❤❤❤

[@williamshreeve9562]

Bach's St. Johns has just become a new passion of mine. It is like seeing each of my children for the first time, I say to them,"Nice to meet you for the first time." "I will love you forever", please forgive my absence.

[@waynesheridan9019]

Listening in Savannah Georgia o. Good Friday 2024. God bless!

[@urmorph]

The casting of young, fresh, clean voices is incredibly effective. Bravo.

[@genustinca5565]

Plus they're easy on the eyes ;)

[@dissilymordentroge5818]

@@genustinca5565 I had the same reaction but was too timid to draw attention to such fleshly considerations in such a context.

[@jinnymudlark1815]

... as oppposed to old, stale, dirty ones!

[@jinnymudlark1815]

@@genustinca5565 ... as opposed to the way they will be some 40--60 years from now, little doubt.

[@djmotise]

Oh please. Stop.

[@riccardopusceddu6232]

The first movement is really divine! I almost cried. Bach is both old and modern. He's eternal.

[@massimilianoconti3340]

We have the most great music free! An infinite treasure!

[@pedrocorrea6870]

I'm just glad to have been born in an universe in witch this kind of beauty is possible. I'm also glad to have been born when I did so that I can have such convenient acess to it. My only regret is not been able to thank Bach in person. I hope God allows me to meet him someday. If not, it will still have been an honour to have known the fruits of his mind.

[@briansharp7872]

You take the words right out of my mouth

[@sebastian.v2]

The amount of sadness in 01:20:28 "Arie - Es ist vollbracht" is intense

[@LindaPgh]

I'm dazzled by the impact of this line-up of "top of their game" soloists and instrumentalists. I would never have guessed that using all relatively young singers would have this strangely unifying effect. Had to repeatedly pause the video to google the soloists and find out about them--most of whom were new to me. Every one of them became my "favorite" the minute they began singing. Raphael Höhn is just too young to be singing the evangelist with such beauty and insight--e.g. "und also bald kraehete der Hahn!" Felix Schwandtke's Jesus just tore my heart out. Gwilym Bowen inhabits the music so deeply and just grabs you by the scruff of the neck and holds you close. Each soloist really hit the ball out of the park. I've never experienced that before! But a special Easter acclamation to the video team. It was fantastic to see them roll focus down the line of soloists in profile as they entered with the fugue subject. Loved the video treatment of the oboe, flute, and lute on "Zerfliesse." The video director is an artist whose attention to musical detail is worthy of this phenomenal level of musical artistry. I'm grateful that the Corona virus has given me the opportunity to savor this masterful production. Maestro Van Veldhoven, I bow to you.

[@neeltheother2342]

Yeah, I just had to look up the soprano that sang the second aria. She was amazing.

[@deborah-abosedeagboola175]

I will like to discuss with you privately on music. My email address is [e-mail]. I will be glad you write to my email so I can know your email address, thanks.

[@charcello1182]

Magnificently expressed! C D F

[@rosaus6]

😍❤❤❤

[@gretchenweiss1925]

Wunderbare Interpretation, dankeschön an alle Künstler! Es ist ein Verbrechen, daß schon im 2.Jahr alle schweigen müssen- wir brauchen diese Herzensbotschaften mehr denn je!

[@JP-ku5hw]

Ehrlich gesagt: Dein Name hat mich an Faust 'Gretchen' erinnert.

[@gretchenweiss1925]

@@JP-ku5hw Treffer!

[@michaeldoyle6702]

What radical music it was in the 18th century, and now. Cant imagine Tellemann writing a bar. A man part brilliant theologian, part musical genius.

[@zarathustra8789]

I'm at a loss for words. First 10 minutes in and I feel like the NBS injected life and emotion in such an organic and heartfelt manner to the overture, like I've never heard it before in my life. I'm thoroughly touched. I cannot thank you enough for this precious gift.

[@talastra]

I was going to say, "Yes, my thoughts exactly." And then I noticed you have Tarkovsky as your account icon. So, therefore, we are soul brothers :) I think there's actually something very Tarkovskian in Bach's music (all the moreso the overture here). But, it's probably the other way around. There's no doubt that there's something very Bachian in Tarkovsky, and the overture makes the point.

[@andresa1963]

200 plus years later and we are all still feeling Bach's presence through his beyond believe talent. Bach will always be a "world treasure".

[@darryldias8414]

This is brilliant stuff! Just stumbled upon it as the tickets to the event at St Paul’s in London was sold out so decided to see if I could watch a rendition of the full version on you tube and voila found this! Just amazing ! I’ll watch it again

[@marcaurele3115]

Herr , Herr ... cette introduction sublime , sommet de la musique de tous les temps , nous conduit vers une œuvre interprétée avec une foi confiante et profonde par la NBS. Cette spiritualité est présente tout au long de ces pages musicales intenses. Quelle émotion ! Et quels talents !

[@redbrian3655]

I knew from the opening chorus that this was going to be a most thoughtful rendition. The recording engineers are tops! The young international cast of soloists is uniformly outstanding and Felix Schwandtke has the most resonant bass voice I have ever heard! I like that the soloists also sing the choruses.

[@alainalsant1312]

Musique sublime, divine . Bach connecte l'esprit avec le divin .Quel mystérieux et inexplicable alchimiste ...Un grand merci au Maestro Van Veldhoven de mettre les productions de la Netherlands Bach Society sur youtube a disposition du plus grand nombre.

[@josajpnide]

Les Bach Society nous avaient habitué à l'excellence digne des plus grands ensembles sur instruments anciens avec des interprètes exceptionnels, mais là ils surpassent tout ; tant sur le plan de la prise de son (micros individuels), la division du chœur en quatre quatuors placés de façon non conventionnelle (permettant d'assurer un parfait équilibre des voix) et un captage vidéo brillantissime pour nous servir une version pétrie d'humanité ! Sans oublier, bien sûr, les cordes sublimées par leur premier violon Shunske Sato !

[@miladyaqo7150]

It's been nearly 4 months since I have listened to this piece, been listening every day!! Literally! This is the most high-quality piece of art ever recorded, with such great singers, orchestra, and conductor! We also presented St John's Passion in the Cathedral today and it went really great!! I was thinking about the video when I was singing, I don't think I will ever stop listening to this piece of art ever! Big thanks to everyone in this video including the cameramen and editors!

[@polishsilverstacker3246]

I recommend you St Mattheus Passion as well. I performed both as a boy singing alto in choir in Poznan under Prof. Stefan Stuligrosz in 80s...

[@rosaus6]

😍❤❤❤

[@markuselipka]

"...peace of art..." is really lovely.

[@cubanose]

Exquisite, just what I needed…

[@ChristianPauchet]

If I were an Alien... I would fall in love with our species just listening to this, the potential of working together to make something so far greater than we are is limitless. This is perfect.

[@linusverclyte4988]

Musicwise sure. Untill they discover what the story is about: the long drawn-out torture death of one of humanity's greatest moral teachers. That might change their mind. Humanity is capable of great art which is in this case requires sublimate concentration, great skill and discipline of all involved. Then again the Holocaust/Shoa was also an incredibly complex and difficult undertaking requiring great planning skills and cooperation of hundres of thousands of individuals and we can all agree it was the epithome of evil.

[@ChristianPauchet]

@@linusverclyte4988 no shit! I just wanted to express something positive for a couple of seconds and then comes an enlightened one to bring me back to reality... I just need to open a News outlet's website to remind me of what we are as masses, we're just herds of mindless panicky cows, Bach however, with all his flaws as a human managed to stand way above the rest of his species and even time itself. By the way, any Alien species most likely, underwent the same paths we've taken, bloody wars, blind faiths, hunger, misery, genocides, political differences, basically everything we're still going through today... if they survived is because X or multiple factors had to come into place for them to realize the error of their ways, most likely they had to face an extinction level event to put their entire existence into perspective. We'll get our turn eventually sooner than later, I hope we'll make the right decisions.

[@dissilymordentroge5818]

​@@linusverclyte4988 The truth often hurts. Still we fail to ask why a God who chose to torture his own son ( who is part of himself if you swallow trinitarian theology undigested) to redeem sins he knowingly made possible should ever be worshiped.

[@howardandmaggie]

I regularly listen to the Netherlanders on All of Bach. It's always absolutely world- class. This Johannespassion just bowled me over. Words fail. I can't wait to hear them doing Bach cantatas at the Leipzig Bach Festival next June.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Three of Bach's works are included on the Golden Records attached to the Voyager space probes, which are both currently exiting our solar system. In fact , the 1st movement of the 2nd Brandenburg Concerto is the first piece of music recorded. So who knows. Maybe in the distant future, aliens really will hear the wondrous music of Bach.

[@tjalfi9059]

Die beste Aufführung der Johannes - Passion, die ich je gehört habe! Es ist nicht nur die extrem genaue historische Aufführungspraxis, die diese Aufnahme so faszinierend macht, sondern auch die unglaubliche Präzision, mit der mit großer Intelligenz der innere Gehalt des Werkes ergreifend dargeboten wird.

[@sevenoranges]

I could listen to Herr unser Herrscher over and over again.... when the repeat comes I feel so at peace!

[@GordonStainforth]

For quite a few year now I've come to the conclusion that this is about the greatest piece of music that's ever been written. This superb performance helps confirm my belief.

[@polishsilverstacker3246]

Try also Mattheuspassion by Bach. I sang both as alto.

[@rosaus6]

😍❤❤❤

[@andersrhedin1877]

Exactly so the greatest!!!

[@gloriastuparich]

Maravilloso

[@kraftwerk974]

So inconcevable a human being was able to hear these architectures and give them to the rest of us. Bach will be one of the few constant enjoyments life has brought to me. I am so grateful.

[@henboker3]

So many of us have been blessed by the classical music, especially, always available on KZbin during this Covid catastrophe-- a strange but significant blessing, light in the darkness of so much pain and death everywhere. I know because I paid my "Dues" in all of October fighting the constant pain.

[@georgealderson4424]

I hope you are stronger now Larry

[@sunnyjh4121]

Just looking at the conductor's face, filled with absolute love of this remarkable music, says it all!

[@joshuafruend3348]

The beauty in this Passion is beyond words. Thank you, Netherlands Bach Society! I am listening to this on Good Friday 2021. My favorite gospel set to music by one of my favorite composers, and listening to it during my favorite time of the year. Thanks be to God.

[@ocimarrabechi1818]

SmmmzmzmzmzmjzmmmjmzmzzmmmszmzzmmzmzmzmmzjmzmzzmzmmmzzmzmmmzmmzmZZZ, ,, zzzzzzzzzzzz ,zzzjj❤,j jq 9❤z. Za z, z1 ,sb zzzzzz,, , , , zq❤ Zx z1 zzazzZa❤0zzzzbb11zjd❤zj❤❤❤😊×-?❤@?-?

[@f.javiersarasua9715]

Esta versión es totalmente electrizante y grandiosa. La verdad es que no importa las veces que se escuchen las pasiones de Bach pues siempre sorprenden los hallazgos armónicos, melódicos, contrapuntísticos, orquestales y dramáticos. En realidad Bach es inagotable y absolutamente maravilloso.

[@pianochannel100]

No coughing for the most part. The Dutch have the good sense to sit in the back if they have a cold.

[@WesWaagenaar]

😀

[@talastra]

On the other hand, they also don't applaud. Ungrateful!

[@neeltheother2342]

@@talastra At least they don't clap between movements. That would be sacrilegious.

[@talastra]

@@neeltheother2342 Impious more than sacrilegious, but my point is how do they control themselves :)

[@Isa-tn7ex]

@@talastra It's a TwoSetViolin reference. You should check their KZbin channel out!

[@krzys111]

Perfect piece and perfect rendition. Glory to God and his son Jesus Christ.

[@kikivolauvent1]

Not only do we find here the finest of Bach but also exquisit filming! Pure Magic on so many levels!

[@geoffthedonkey2295]

The greatest ever recording of man's greatest ever creation in my opinion.

[@bettinakalambokis4282]

Der 1252. Kommentar: Was soll ich noch sagen? Ein ganz grosses Danke Herrn Veldhoven und allen Musikern der NBS! Wieviele Menschen sind durch Ihre wunderbare Aufführung zu tiefst ergriffen von diesem göttlichen Meisterwerk. Welch ein Geschenk an die Menschheit von Johann Sebastian Bach und auch welch ein Geschenk aller Musikern der Netherlands Bach Society, an uns Menschen, die diese meisterhaft interpretierte Musik hören dürfen. Danke Euch allen!

[@polishsilverstacker3246]

Man mus es fragen, was inspiert JS Bach fuer dieses Meisterwerk schreiben ? Seiner Glaube an Gott und Jesus. Wir weissen das ist Wahrheit.

[@markuselipka]

in der tat. dem ist nichts hinzuzufügen.

[@deborahnigbur3328]

Welch ein Geschenk an die Menschheit, dass Gott Seinen Sohn diesen schweren Weg gehen lässt, um stellvertretend unsere Schuld zu bezahlen... Welch ein Geschenk, dass JSBach und die beteiligten Menschen dies so spürbar machen. Soli Deo Gloria!

[@alexandreguimaraes9141]

Obrigado, Bettina por transformar em palavras os sentimentos de muitos de nós! Sublime interpretação desses músicos de excelência!

[@chriswuyts1937]

Amazing, tearjerking! Thank you !!

[@angelaschoene3814]

Eine tiefe Glaubensstärkung ist diese Passion und auch wunderbar musiziert. Danke allen Musizierenden, die uns diese Freude immer wieder bereiten. Gerade in dieser Coronazeit sind die Künstler hart getroffen, obwohl sie uns so viel Mut und Freude bereiten dürfen. Haltet durch und Gottes Segen möge uns begleiten.

[@angelaschoene3814]

Ich kann es 2022 nicht besser sagen... und nun die Tragik in Osteuropa. Gib Frieden oh Herr... .

[@christophlieding734]

@@angelaschoene3814 Dear Angela/ seit fast 3 jahren fuehle ich mich down. Getrennt von meiner kleinen familie (2 girls & 1 ex) wegen corona-lockdown und ein paar fehler welche ich begangen habe. Aber Bach never fails und immer bring diese music mich nahe zum creator oder wie immer das heisst. Gibt mir hoffnung und erneuert die liebe in meinem herzen. Muss aufpassen wenn ich music hoere weil so oft ich weinen muss und das ganz viel. Die welt ist so gespalten und ich dachte alles wird besser. Allerdings gibt es einiges was uns alle vereint. Take care und keep on shining und wenn es geht schicke kleine gebete fuer die welt und etwas fuer mich. Peace/ love & Gesundheit von 45891.

[@fidelio5390]

@@christophlieding734 God bless you and your ex and your daughters. Don't give up hope - maybe everything will be o.k. some day. Peace and love - and don't stop praying! Big hug.

[@mr.protozoario8469]

This is what humanity should use as anthem.

[@elisabethavakian-reuter595]

Danke-Danke-Danke für diese wunderbare Aufführung- Eine Entdeckung heute -ALLES zusammen ein Kunstwerk

[@Liskafm352]

It is 7th April 2024: Here to celebrate 300 years from the very first public performance of this passion. May all the next generations appreciate it and love it like we do now ❤

[@ludwigvanbeethoven61]

He composed this like incoming waves that are interferring each other. Something of what late 20th Composers like Steve Reich are still experimenting with. Absolutely genius

[@celticviolaandfiddle]

It’s hard to believe how magnificent this performance is

[@FranzKaernBiederstedt]

It's so amazing and heart warming with how little of routine these young people not only are interpreting but really living this music and its spiritual content. There are so many very unique and never heard nuances, that are felt so truly and deeply without being maniristic. I'm just moved to tears and can do no more than admire this interpretation.

[@federicoarrighi5459]

Such Richness, Beauty, Expression, Fulfillness is Just Unique to J.S. Bach

[@henrique7612]

The beginning of this piece is just intense, I just felt shivers on my spine.

[@sabinewindholz2348]

Same 🙏

[@dbliss7]

Amazing. Having sung sacred choral pieces like this in college makes me want to join the chorus. This society does complete justice to the works of Bach. We are blessed.

[@SoulinSadness]

The best performance of the Passion on this site. It is truly devine!

[@isabelseva2387]

I've listened to this video a thousand times. I never get tired of this work.

[@johndavis7425]

I've seen this performed at Carnegie Hall. While my live experience was extraordinary, listening to this recording from the Bach Society was magical.

[@hannephil]

Impressive use of dynamics in the opening passage.

[@brumels1570]

No its not. Nobody past the first 10 rows can hear notes that soft.

[@maartenvantilburg18]

@@brumels1570 Nonsens. Not all people have hearing problems

[@danhanks1]

I thought similar for the opening vocals. Each of the three invocations of 'Herr!' has its own unique, and moving, emotion.

[@JafuetTheSame]

ikr, once you heard it you can't unhear it. it seems so natural "herr" -> descending decrescendo, wonder why noone else does it

[@dmaranan]

@@danhanks1 Absolutely agree! To me it sounded demanding, then doubting, then despairing... or (alternatively) celebratory, then declamatory, then reverent.

[@martijnslot95]

The whole performance is magnificent, but I go through phases where I'm borderline obsessed with different parts. These days I keep returning to Von den Stricken meiner Sünden. I can't get enough of it!

[@dlbbhsaa]

Agreed!

[@timgillison1175]

This is do moving and so beautiful. The Evangelist in particular is astonishing: he is clearly living every emotion of the role. His performance is so genuine and utterly beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful performance of one of my favourite pieces of music.

[@mauriciodealencar8496]

Bach é a prova da existência de Deus!

[@dmorabrito]

This is an absolutely sublime and exceptional performance that, in my humble view, honors what Bach must have wished to achieve with this unique, exquisite, and beyond-remarkable composition-probably the most incredible piece of religious music ever written. I really have no words to describe how well executed this is: the passion and ‘tender’ precision of the singing, the playing, and the conducting as a single and extremely well-rounded organic unit. I have watched it countless times and has become a standard, along with some of Gardiner’s recordings. Simply impeccable.

[@phwbooth]

Sadly, the performance of the St John Passion by the Liverpool Bach Collective has had to be cancelled, for obvious reasons, this Easter tide of 2020. Thankfully, the Netherlands Bach Society has provided a truly magnificent substitute. Thanks very much, and do look after yourselves.

[@georgealderson4424]

...and here we are in 2021!

[@andrewg2256]

Opening chorus, bar 88, first beat, last semi-quaver. Bass is the highest of the four voice parts. Bach. Accept no substitute.

[@pedterson]

There is so much to admire about this beautiful performance. Even during the choruses everyone plays and sings with the urgency and the gravity of a soloist. Thank you to everyone involved. To be able to access this any time I want, feels like having a secret door in my small apartment that leads directly into the Sistine chapel.

[@andrijapantovic]

An absolutely stunning performance of these young brilliant singers ! Bach at its best ! Bravo and thank you !!!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Stunned by the Johannespassion! Despite having heard these chorales for years, this is my first time of listening consciously. What a wonderful gift! Van Veldhoven's work here is top-class! Well done, Sir, and well done to the entire Netherlands Bach Society!

[@GeorgeZen.-pe7dh]

Hundreds of people work,skill,talent,passion, intelligence, persistence create this.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@GeorgeZen.-pe7dh Do you think I don't know this?

[@Chunkfterbi7183]

Thank you for this mind-blowing interpretation, so carefully woven, so infinitely elaborated, with such skilful mastery of each musician, where the whole is so much more than its parts. I know St John well, having executed it so many times, listend to so many interpretations over the years, but here it comes in so many more facets I’ve never heard before. The level of young musicians nowadays exceeds so far what was common in our time, I can only bow to this generation in full admiration of their mastery and the mastery to bind all this into such a coherent interpretation.

[@fred8097]

The way the separate lines of melody spiral upwards at 2:42 never fails to completely overwhelm me emotionally. An encounter with the numinous is always a living possibility in Bach's music, especially this piece. It is animated by the breath of deity. Somehow Bach's music still has the power to constellate the Christian God-image in the psyche of modern man, for whom that image no longer carries the energy it once did.

[@franklinballard1109]

It just doesn't any better than this - elegant music-making throughout of one of the masterpieces of human civilization.

[@user-fv7ss6iw2l]

Happy Easter Day, I'm peruvian and I love Bach performance.

[@iridescentprism5113]

Happy Easter Day to you too from western Europe 🤍

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Happy Easter to you from Britain!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@iridescentprism5113 Happy Easter!

[@pianorandi]

Happy easter 🐣

[@iridescentprism5113]

@@Musicienne-DAB1995 Happy Easter!

[@shostycellist]

I get the impression that other baroque composers didn't take the recitatives as seriously as Bach did. The recitative, "Then Peter denied it again, and once the cock crew. Then Peter thought of Jesus’ word and went out and wept bitterly" is jaw dropping. No words.

[@spessachz8508]

Oh my GOD! this version gives me the chills, I'm speechless!

[@Johannludwigamadeus]

Ich musste meinem Vater (1922-2020) versprechen, dass bei seiner Beerdigung der Schlusschoral gespielt würde - auf der Orgel. Er sagte: "Ich kann diesen Choral nicht ohne Erschütterung hören." Und ich fand einen fähigen Organisten. Und ich sah den Leuten in der Kirche an, wie bewegt sie waren.

[@bobh5087]

Without a doubt this is the finest performance of the St John Passion I've ever seen. A flawless combination of great precision and emotional understanding. My highest thanks to All of Bach! (I cannot imagine how 5 people [to date] heard this magnificent performance and gave it a "thumbs down." Incroyable.)

[@LindaPgh]

They will get to Heaven and find it lacking.

[@talastra]

I was going to say it is probably some famous, but now jealous Bach interpreter :)

[@roberthoover2456]

Imagine how much fun those 5 would be at a party! 😂🤣😂

[@andreasyewangoe1264]

Indonesia present

[@stephanemichaud5362]

Extraordinary.... !! I think this is the most powerful, dynamic, sensitive, precise and bewitching version i know ! I have not enough words to describe what i'am feeling. I already listened it 15 time at least, and every time it's like a metaphysical experience of pure beauty. Tempi of the Chorals are really amazing, so we can better appreciate the magnificence of these Bach's jewels ! All the Soloists are wonderful (maybe Pilate is a little bit weak compared to the others....) The Choir is stupendous in all aspects. This music is a nectar for the soul, and i thank you from the bottom of my heart to bring us these highlights of human creation !

[@guylebras9880]

Saint Jean était le disciple que Jésus aimait... Et Bach lui rend bien hommage avec cette œuvre sublime qu’est la Passion selon Saint Jean. Ce qui est étonnant, c’est le parallélisme que l’ont peut faire entre la Saint Matthieu et Saint Jean d’une part et les évangiles éponymes d’autre part. Plus d’émotion face aux événements d’un côté et plus de réflexion spirituelle de l’autre. Encore une magnifique interprétation de la Société Bach Néerlandaise parfaitement enregistrée comme on peut l’entendre dans le prologue que je considère personnellement comme un des sommets de l’art du cantor de Leipzig...

[@gervaisfrykman266]

I have listened to this and the Matthew Passion for the world suffering from the corona virus. I have no orthodox Christian belief, but the match beween the music and the situation is very close. And those who will die and those who survive can all, as it says at the end, praise eternally. SDG. As other comments regarding the magnificent performances.

[@michaelperkins8364]

Listened to this Good Friday evening. A stunning experience! Having sung the work four times myself I am just knocked out by this singing and we are so fortunate to be able to hear NBS at the touch of a switch. Singing in a performance one misses out on the soloists who have their backs to a choral society. I hadn't realised how difficult the solos actually are - and how sublimely sung by these superb singers.