Bach: Matthew Passion / Wiltener Sängerknaben
Who is the “star” of the Matthew Passion? The main character in the story is, of course, Jesus Christ, but the bass singer who sings Jesus is not the main character. Rather, I think the main character is the Evangelist. Or some might say that the solo singer who sings each aria is the main character. Others might say that the chorus that sings the chorales at each point is the main character. In any case, the evangelium (recitative), arias, and chorus are all part of a work called the “Matthew Passion”.
The Innsbruck Wiltener Sängerknaben’s recording of the Matthew Passion is exactly what I have been waiting for. This is the first recording of the Passion since the one by the Tölzer Knabenchor and Gustav Leonhardt. The soprano soloist of the Wiltener Sängerknaben, is technically impeccable. The alto soloist is a countertenor, but his singing is more natural and boyish in tone than, for example, that of René Jacobs. The Evangelist, who is the facilitator of the play, seems to be a bit over-emotional, but after listening to it a few times, I found this to be quite acceptable. The orchestra, Academia Jacobus Stainer, also has a solid group of technically skilled players. The use of organ and theorbo for the basso continuo is also good. #baroque #bach #passion #片山俊幸
