Long-neglected, Handel’s setting of the Passion text by Barthold Heinrich Brockes was a decisive influence on Bach’s own St John Passion, and revealed here in its full glory in Arcangelo’s luminous studio recording. Under the direction of Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo are joined by soprano Sandrine Piau, tenor Stuart Jackson and baritone Konstantin Krimmel, for a performance that restores the work to its original pious – and gruesome! – operatic splendour.
Featured works
- Handel: Brockes Passion HWV48
Press & Praise
BBC RADIO 3 RECORD OF THE WEEK
“…it’s the instrumental playing that brings it so alive, their responsiveness to the drama, the emotionally-heightened storytelling…the continuo team is outstanding…wonderfully communicative continuo playing…the chorus of faithful souls is luxury casting… the recording itself is warm, spacious and beautifully balanced.”
SUNDAY TIMES RECORD OF THE WEEK
“Sandrine Piau, radiant as the Daughter of Zion; Stuart Jackson, outstanding as the Evangelist; and Konstantin Krimmel as a dramatic Jesus… The drama moves with momentum”
BR KLASSIK ALBUM OF THE WEEK
“Dieses Album ist ein Hörgenuss schon der SolistInnen wegen, eine gute Ergänzung zu Bachs Passionen, und ein Muss für alle Händel-Fans.”
Album Details
- Released March 2021
- Alpha Classics | ALPHA644
- Recorded October 2019
Performers
- Sandrine Piau (Soprano; Daughter of Zion)
- Stuart Jackson (Tenor; Evangelist)
- Konstantin Krimmel (Baritone; Jesus)
- Mary Bevan, Mhairi Lawson, Alex Potter, David Allsopp, Matthew Long, Andrew Tortise, Marcus Farnsworth, William Gaunt (Vocal Consort; Arias)
- Arcangelo
- Jonathan Cohen (direction)
Awards
BBC Radio 3
Records of the year 2021
BBC Radio 3
Record of the week Mar 2021