Bach - St. John Passion BWV 245 (Masaaki Suzuki, 2000)

V-4	J.S. Bach: Johannespassion BWV 245
Johannes-Passion BWV 245
Masaaki Suzuki
Bach Collegium Japan
Tenor [Evangelist & appendix]: Gerd Türk; Bass [Jesus]: Michio Tatara; Soprano: Midori Suzuki; Soprano: Yumiko Kurisu; Counter-tenor: Yoshikazu Mera; Counter-tenor: Akira Tachikawa; Tenor [Arias & Diener]: Koki Katano; Bass [Petrus & Pilatus]: Kenji Mizuno; Soprano [Maid]: Aki Yanagisawa; Tenor: Akira Takizawa
King Records		Apr 1995	2-CD / TT: 105:47
The ’Ordinary’ Version. 1st recording of Johannes-Passion BWV 245 by M. Suzuki. Recorded live at Casals Hall, Tokyo - Bach Collegium Japan 18th Subscription Concert. Suzuki performs the fourth version of the Passion that Bach compiled, which included a notated harpsichord continuo part in addition to organ and cello (Gardiner only uses organ and cello). In this recording, Suzuki himself plays the majority of the harpsichord parts while conducting. At first I thought the harpsichord in the continuo might be distracting, but as the recording went on, I saw that, while it is not always used, when it is used it adds so much nuance and drama to the piece. It helps with the transitions between "turba" choruses and recitative, it adds punch to dramatic declamations, and it participates in the dialogue between singers and instruments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwCDEsjdS34&NR=1