Bach's St John Passion receives a passionate reception in Paris

By Leopold Tobisch, 02 April 2013

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Reviewed at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris on 27 March 2013

Bach, St John Passion, BWV245

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Polyphony

Stephen Layton, Conductor

Nicholas Mulroy, Evangelist

Neal Davies, Christus

Julia Doyle, Soprano

Iestyn Davies, Countertenor

Robert Davies, Bass-baritone

Mixed Mozart from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Dominic Lowe, 26th February

A Mozart's of symphonies – his last – under conductor Robin Ticciati is capped with a fine Jupiter, but is let down by the performances of its two predecessors.

***11

John Butt and the OAE celebrate Handel's Solomon

Roy Westbrook, 12th October

The Queen of Sheba is clearly in a hurry in this account of Handel's oratorio at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

*****

Enescu Festival immersion: Bach on the street, Klimt in the forest

Peter Quantrill, 11th September

At the George Enescu International Festival, a pair of new shows crossing genres and reinventing the classics, with mostly enlightening results.

****1

Brandstrup Breaking Bach with the OAE at EIF

Kathy Elgin, 20th August

Kim Brandstrup choreographs Bach favourites based on hip hop and street dance. Lie back on the bean bags at Usher Hall and enjoy...

****1

A strong new Figaro opens at Glyndebourne

Dominic Lowe, 29th June

Mariame Clément is a popular director at Glyndebourne, and her new production of Figaro shows her trademark approach to hardhitting comedy.

****1

Glyndebourne's Saul still packs a punch 10 years on

Nick Boston, 8th June

Returning from the original run, Christopher Purves and Iestyn Davies were joined by a strong cast and chorus for a revival of Barrie Kosky's striking production.

*****

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Leopold Tobisch

Leopold is currently working on his PhD, examining the music and politics in Paris during the events of May '68. A violinist, amateur photographer and overall musical omnivore, he is currently living in Paris in order to further his PhD research.