St John Passion

We are listening to Bach’s St John Passion, a work that captures the visceral intensity of the Easter narrative. Unlike the composer’s more expansive St Matthew Passion, this setting is noted for its momentum and urgent pacing. You will hear the Choir taking on several roles, shifting from the contemplative reflections of the chorales to the aggressive, rhythmic interjections of the crowd. Keep an ear out for the interplay between the soloists and the instrumentalists in the arias, where specific woodwind or string textures are used to mirror the emotional weight of the text. The narrative is driven forward by the Evangelist’s recitative, creating a sense of live drama that remains focused and lean. The performance concludes with a final chorale that brings a sense of quietude to the preceding turmoil. This is a significant example of the German Baroque tradition, where complex counterpoint serves a very direct, human storytelling purpose.

Laurence Cummings leads the Hallé Orchestra and Choir alongside a distinguished group of soloists: Ed Lyon, George Humphreys, Nardus Williams, Reginald Mobley, Stuart Jackson, and Jonathan Brown. The Hallé is Manchester’s resident symphonic ensemble, based at The Bridgewater Hall and celebrated for a broad repertoire that spans centuries. Laurence Cummings is particularly recognised for his expertise in Baroque performance practice, bringing a specific stylistic clarity to this era of music. The Hallé Choir, a large-scale amateur ensemble with a professional standard, provides the vocal core required for these substantial choral works.

The performance takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and has a stated running time of approximately 114 minutes. This duration makes it a manageable choice for those who might find longer oratorios daunting, though the work is sung in German. As is customary for orchestral and choral concerts at this venue, there is no specific dress code, and most audience members opt for smart-casual attire. The central location of the hall makes it a straightforward destination for a Saturday evening out in the city.