1. Bach: Johannes Passion, BWV 245 / John Eliot Gardiner

Stereo: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750). Johannes Passion, BWV 245. Oratorio for Good Friday. English Baroque Soloists. Monteverdi Choir. Mark Padmore: tenor. Peter Harvey: baritone. Katharine Fuge: soprano. Robin Blaze: countertenor. Nicholas Mulroy: tenor. Jeremy Budd: tenor. Matthew Brook: bass. Dir: John Eliot Gardiner. Originally the St. John Passion was meant to be performed for the first time in the St Thomas church in Leipzig, but due to a last-minute change by a music council, the St John Passion was first performed in 1724 in the St Nicholas Church. Bach quickly agreed to have the concert at St Thomas church, but pointed out that the booklet was already printed, that there was no room available and that the harpsichord needed some repair, all of which, however, could be attended to at little cost; but he requested that a little additional room be provided in the choir loft of St Nicholas' Church, where he planned to place the musicians needed to perform the music. He also asked that the harpsichord be repaired.The council agreed and sent a flyer announcing the new location to all the people around Leipzig. Then they made the necessary arrangements regarding the harpsichord and the space that was needed for the choir.