In the trial scene at the centre of the John Passion, Pilate asks Jesus, ‘What is truth?’ Left unanswered, this question lingers for the remainder of the piece as Christ is successively sentenced to death, scourged by the mob and eventually crucified. Its themes, and the questions it asks, resonate acutely in the twenty-first century, whether you are a believer or not.
With its compelling recitatives, electrifying choruses and heart-wrenching arias, Bach’s John Passion is almost operatic in its drama. With a stellar cast of just eight voices directed from the keyboard by Harry Bicket, The English Concert will bring the score alive and deliver one of the greatest works of all time.
Under Harry Bicket’s lively direction, each instrumentalist played as though personally responsible for the entire show, wringing out every ounce of drama.
FINANCIAL TIMES
Programme
Featured Artists
The English Concert
Robin Johannsen Soprano
Katie Bray Mezzo-soprano
Gwilym Bowen Tenor / Evangelist
Stephan Loges Bass / Jesus
Harry Bicket Artistic Director / Harpsichord
