Review: St John Passion, by Ex Cathedra, at Symphony Hall

Apr 8 2010 By Norman Stinchcombe

Bach's St John Passion, performed by Ex Cathedra, at Symphony Hall

This performance of Bach’s St John Passion was a world away from the recent big-band all-star version of the St Matthew Passion by the CBSO.

An orchestra of 20 players using original instruments suited the more intimate style of this work which lacks epic proportions, but not beauty or emotional intensity.

Jeremy Budd’s Evangelist was exemplary in his crisp articulation of the text, never lapsing into routine declamation.

He was matched by the Jesus of James Rutherford whose sonorous bass was spiritual authority personified.

He also sang the aria My Dearest Saviour where Bach interjects a hushed contribution by the chorus to remarkable effect.

There was strong support from tenor Samuel Boden in the demanding Erwäge (Look) aria, Greg Skidmore (Pilate) and soprano Grace Davidson.

The use of a male alto may be authentic but there is more expressive depth in than Matthew Venner’s small voice could convey. The Ex Cathedra Choir, supplemented by the young sopranos of its Academy, was superb both in the sublime chorales and in their vividly characterised crowd music which conductor Jeffrey Skidmore ensured was bitingly dramatic.

The final chorale, sung with beauty and power, had the timeless appeal of true greatness.