St Matthew Passion

There are few musicians who know Bach as well as conductor, organist and harpsichordist Masaaki Suzuki. He is noted as an important representative of historical performance practice and as a true Bach specialist. He has recorded nearly all Bach’s choral works with his famous ensemble Bach Collegium Japan. In 2005, Suzuki was a guest conductor of the St Matthew Passion with the Bach Society. Twenty years later, he is returning with even more experience and a deeper vision of Bach’s masterpiece. He says, “J.S. Bach had maybe four opportunities in his lifetime to perform the St Matthew Passion, but I have performed this over hundred times all over the world. Despite this fact, it never became something gentle or amicable, always asking me to delve deeper, desire stronger, seek further beauty, and for my full devotion. What can I do more? Yet again, I shall pray and perform with all my heart and soul.”

Johann Sebastian Bach
St Matthew Passion, BWV 244

Netherlands Bach Society
Masaaki Suzuki, conductor
Nicolas Mulroy, Evangelist
Hana Blažíková, soprano
Miku Yasukawa, soprano
Alexander Chance, alto
Christopher Lowrey, alto
Raphael Höhn, tenor
Shimon Yoshida, tenor
Stephan MacLeod, bass
Toru Kaku, bass
Kampen Boys Choir