Bach: SS. John & Matthew Passions Harmonia Mundi 5 CD

Here are two really moving readings of both of Bach's great Passions. The Belgian Ensemble La Petite Bande is directed by Sigiswald Kuijken in St. John, and Gustav Leonhardt directs St. Matthew. While both are performed on "period" instruments, there's none of rushed tempos and "sawing" string tone often objected to in similar readings. Leonhardt in particular was an old hand at Bach interpretation going back to the mid 1950's and was a notable part of its evolution. The solo voices are also superb. The sonics too are beautifully managed, much as one expects from Harmonia Mundi. This isn't a little cardboard box, but, rather, the original two full-priced multi CD cases, with booklets, housed in an outer slip case. I'll answer any questions you might have.