Bach: St John Passion

Polyphony, Stephen Layton

HYPERION CDA 67901-2 118’10

A new release from Polyphony can almost sell itself, given the exceptional quality of their live performances and the strong following they have. This should not make the new recording of the St John any the less welcome. Ian Bostridge is outstanding as the Evangelist but this is not a star-led undertaking, more a coming together of some of the finest baroque interpreters available today. Stephen Layton’s approach is dramatic without being hurried, and the chorales have a sense of the world coming together to sing with them.

Liszt: Christus

Nicolas Horvath, piano

HORTUS 100       70’15

Christus is rarely heard in its oratorio form, and this arrangement of eight movements for piano is even rarer. However it draws on Liszt’s lifetime of experience as both composer and believer to bring a subtlety and conviction which in other works can appear bombastic. The simplicity of Pastorale , the might of the Foundation of the Church and the unexpected gentle warmth of the Easter Hymn all seem more persuasive in piano version than the full choral epic.

Ascribe unto the Lord: sacred choral works by S S Wesley

Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge; Andrew Nethsingha, conductor; John Challenger, organ

CHANDOS CHAN 10751  77’10

For all the problems S S Wesley encountered in a turbulent career, there is no doubting the quality or sustainability of his creations. Often Mendelssohnian in feel, they move towards a more romantic approach to choral music and at times can seem sentimental. The new recording includes, as if to hark back to an earlier era, two Psalm settings by S Welsey. Andrew Nethsingha brings a secure hand to the tiller, with clear diction and apt tempi. It is pleasing to note that the Organ Scholar on the disc is Freddie James – well known to us in the South East.