Telemann: St John Passion. Collegium Instrumentale Brugense, Capella Brugensis/Patrick Peire

COMPOSERS: Telemann
LABELS: Eufoda
WORKS: St John Passion. Collegium Instrumentale Brugense, Capella Brugensis/Patrick Peire
PERFORMER: Catherine Bott (soprano), Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), Reginaldo Pinheiro, Philip Defrancq (tenor), Jan Vandercrabben (baritone)
CATALOGUE NO: 1224

In his day, Telemann was considered to be Germany’s leading composer, the artlessness and transparency of his music setting him far above his contemporary Bach. It’s easy to see why in this setting of the St John Passion: its lyricism, lucid textures and emotional optimism have an immediate appeal, without the troubling intensity of Bach’s more complex and profound setting. Here is some of Telemann’s most felicitous vocal music: exquisitely scored arias; affective ariosi and powerful choruses. That Telemann envisaged a highly charged performance of the work is suggested by instructions written in the score – ‘emotionally’, ‘fiery’, ‘stubborn’, ‘tenderly’. On the whole, conductor Patrick Peire responds to this dramatic conception, although the recitatives tend to be too static, even given the reflective nature of the Evangelist’s commentary. That apart, this is a stylish and polished performance. Catherine Bott is aptly sweet-voiced for her innocent role, well contrasted against Sarah Connolly’s darker, more impassioned singing. Reginaldo Pinheiro makes a lyrical, dispassionate Evangelist; and baritone Jan Vandercrabben portrays a warmly human Christus. All in all, an admirable project. Kate Bolton