Bach's St John Passion - any recommendations?

[Beresford]

Latvian Radio Choir

Interesting,

That said, I'm not sure I've ever heard a recording that ticks the boxes for me in this piece,

I recently came across this Latvian tv recording of the St John passion, for small scale forces. From the first bar of the music (which only starts just after 5 minutes into the video) I was captivated. Concerto Copenhagen, Larss Ulriks Mortensens, with Julian Pregardiens, in Riga last April. I wish someone would make a DVD of it.

http://ltv.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/19.04.2014-j.s.bahs.-janja-pasija.-koncerts-riigas-sv.janja-bazniica.id28023/

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

In 2012 I was trying to decide on a version for my father. It came down to The Parrot or the then fairly new 2nd recording by JEG - I do recommend listening to it!

Which? (The Parrott, the Gardiner, or your father?)

[hedgehog]

"to buy for my father" I do recommend the 2nd JEG version (the Parrot had already been much recommended). I bought the JEG - closer to my father's tastes but different enough at the same time.

Edit: I've just seen that AAM have brought out a ST John's Passion this year - has that been talked about elsewhere?

[ardcarp]

I too have the New College Oxford version. Arguably, to be truly 'authentic' a boy treble must sing the sop arias. Do any other versions (e.g. the German ones) do this?

[MickyD]

"to buy for my father" I do recommend the 2nd JEG version (the Parrot had already been much recommended). I bought the JEG - closer to my father's tastes but different enough at the same time.

Edit: I've just seen that AAM have brought out a ST John's Passion this year - has that been talked about elsewhere?

I don't think it has. The first time I heard the opening chorus, I thought it was taken at a hell of a lick, but upon repeated listenings, I've come to rather like it. The Higginbottom is still my first choice, because of the boy sopranos.

[BBMmk2]

I love Jegger's recording

[hedgehog]

I too have the New College Oxford version. Arguably, to be truly 'authentic' a boy treble must sing the sop arias. Do any other versions (e.g. the German ones) do this?

Yes, as at the top of the thread the Harnoncourt: Concentus Musicus Wien and Wiener Sängerknaben - it is very good

There was an archiv recording with the Regensburger Domspatzen, Collegium St. Emmeram, conducted by Hanns-Martin Schneidt but I don't think that was ever rereleased on CD

[MickyD]

Yes, as at the top of the thread the Harnoncourt: Concentus Musicus Wien and Wiener Sängerknaben - it is very good

There was an archiv recording with the Regensburger Domspatzen, Collegium St. Emmeram, conducted by Hanns-Martin Schneidt but I don't think that was ever rereleased on CD

I think you are right, hedgehog...and the same forces also did a Christmas Oratorio for Archiv, which sadly never got to see a release on CD either.