BCSD • Kommt, ihr Töchter (St. Matthew Passion BWV 244) J.S. Bach

Bach Collegium San Diego (BCSD)
Ruben Valenzuela, Founder & Artistic Director
Michael Sponseller, Associate Director
Chorus: Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen
chorale O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig as cantus firmus'
March 25, 2023
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Cardiff, CA)

[@herrickinman9303]

The strumming marred the performance, especially in the section beginning around 4:00 , where it disrupts the rhythmic interplay between the strings of the two orchestras.

[@susanfeldman]

💜💜💜

[@dzuschin]

I am teaching a graduate seminar on this piece this spring and will be playing this for the class!!
This is an amazing interpretation and performance. The rhythm is just perfect, really highlighting the rhetorical intensity of the dialogue - and the only performance I know of that allows the lutenist to strum those chords! I am surprised that I like it.
Recordings vary from more a more legato to a more rhythmic approach, and I increasingly agree with a more rhythmic reading as here.
First-rate singing as well...too many performances have the sopranos blaring away up there, and while I get that the tone is better if it's straight for Baroque music, I like the warmth here.

[@johnlenti]

I'm the lute player, and apologies for my lack of restraint--I find I can't really hold back when there's a circle of fifths to be enjoyed (like around 1:35)

[@hectormillan5104]

Totally agree with your assessment! Yes, I totally agree the rhythmic approach is ideal! My dad is a legato guy for this entrance and strongly disagrees with me ! Ha!
I was in attendance Saturday night and I was in pure ecstasy the entire performance! Simply sublime and gorgeous! ❤