Bach St Matthew’s Passion – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Revered as one of the greatest choral works ever composed, Bach’s St Matthew’s Passion is a timeless classic. This performance is to Mendelssohn’s arrangement and is sung in German. An emotional, complex and challenging work – a challenge which the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir rise to.

The stage is packed and the anticipation is palpable. With a quick nod to the audience, conductor Andrew Manze is keen to get going and promptly launches the room into the evening. Dark, throbbing chords echo like a pulse as the opening chorus of The Passion begins.

As well as the full Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, the Youth Choir are present for the opening chorus with chorale.

The sound is alarmingly mournful. Carrying an edge of dystopia with it, the layers of the choir ring a prophetic cascade of sorrow, calling the audience to engage with the suffering and death of Christ. The Passion is a tale of trial, turmoil and hope.

Supported by a tenor (Andrew Staples), a baritone (Mark Stone), a soprano (Susanne Bernhard) and a mezzo-soprano (Kathryn Rudge), we are led through The Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal and the events leading to The Crucifixion. 

Staples is outstanding. With a captivating presence and angelic tone, he provides a believable and mesmerising Evangelist. In tandem, baritone Mark Stone anchors the narrative with depth and poise to portray Judas, Peter, Jesus, Pilate and Pontifex. You could listen to just these two voices in isolation and still have a wonderful evening.

Likewise, Bernhard’s soprano leaves little to be desired. With crisp diction and strong notes, she holds the audience in a trance, particularly for the Recitative and aria (Alto). Complementing the quartet, Rudge conveys the emotion of Magdalen beautifully.

Taxing on the orchestra, Bach’s work demands attention. It is a long piece, running at 140 minutes and they manage to provide continuity in the performance despite there being a 20-minute interval. Manze blends into the musicians as he conducts – it adds something to the experience that he isn’t something the audience necessarily notice on stage – he leads with a quiet, confident dignity.

Ambitious, arresting and emotive, the Liverpool Philharmonic do St Matthew’s Passion justice. They deliver all of the sorrow in the soul and conflict of the chorale that Bach intended.

For future productions and performances, view Liverpool Philharmonic’s website https://www.liverpoolphil.com/

Reviewer: Ezzy LaBelle

Reviewed: 6th April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★