16th March, Bach’s “St John Passion” St Mark’s Church
“audience.. captivated by the sheer intensity of the haunting opening chorus”
“Bach’s magnificent St John Passion was the sole item in a concert given by the Sheffield Bach Choir last Saturday, accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra with Simon Lindley conducting.
From the outset, the audience was captivated by the sheer intensity of the haunting opening chorus, with the choir and orchestra capturing the pain and suffering of the biblical text. Lindley’s interpretation was clearly well thought out, and his enthusiasm and enjoyment mirrored by the musicians he directed.
The orchestra, in spite of its use of modern instruments, managed to create a stylistic rendition of the work with its sensitive involvement. The high quality of the woodwind section was notable in its understanding and execution of this highly demanding music.
The vocal soloists, too, contributed competently. Stephen Liley played the Evangelist with a pure and assured performance and David Allsop’s counter tenor voice was highly effective in its colourful contrasts.
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the concert was the audience participation aspect, with the congregation being invited to join in with the chorales, as indeed they would have done in Bach’s day. I, along with the majority of the audience members, jumped at this opportunity gladly.”
Gary O’Shea, Sheffield Telegraph
Sheffield Bach Society 