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Matthäus-Passion
Johann Sebastian Bach

Matthäus-Passion

Johannes Leertouwer | De Nieuwe Philharmonie Utrecht

Label: Challenge Classics
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917200898
barcode
Catalog number: CC 720089
Releasedate: 05-02-27

- This Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in an intimate, historically informed interpretation
- Conductor/violinist Johannes Leertouwer leads from his violin, without a conventional conductor
- Two vocal quartets and two period-instrument orchestras create exceptional clarity in performance and recording
- A powerful live recording capturing the drama and emotion of Bach’s masterpiece
- With this interpratation and recording Leertopuwer is drawing on historical research and a performance tradition developed since 2012

Bach’s St Matthew Passion comes vividly to life in this compelling live recording by De Nieuwe Philharmonie Utrecht, led by violinist and conductor Johannes Leertouwer. Drawing on historical research and a performance tradition developed since 2012, Leertouwer offers a remarkably intimate and transparent interpretation of Bach’s masterpiece. With two vocal quartets positioned in front of two small period-instrument orchestras, the music unfolds with exceptional clarity, allowing every word, emotion and musical gesture to resonate.

Rather than conducting from a podium, Leertouwer leads from his violin, creating a direct and spontaneous dialogue between singers and instrumentalists. The result is a deeply expressive performance in which the dramatic power and spiritual depth of Bach’s Passion take centre stage. Bringing together historical insight, artistic freedom and the immediacy of live music-making, this recording offers a fresh and profoundly human perspective on one of the greatest works in sacred music.