This is an article submitted by deCHORALE, the editorial staff had no influence on it.
With this exceptionally composed passion concert, the audience was immersed in the timeless power of Bach's passion music, while simultaneously being invited to experience it in a new and refreshing perspective. The concept, a dramatically constructed 'new passion' based on fragments from the Matthew, John and reconstructed Mark passion – proved to be not only ambitious, but especially remarkably successful.
From the first notes it became clear that this would not be a traditional performance. The alternation between music and narration created a natural arc of tension, with the story of suffering being revealed clearly and compellingly. Narrator Marc Van de Looverbosch played a crucial role in this: with a nuanced, expressive delivery, he not only managed to elucidate the story, but also to deepen it emotionally. His contribution served as a convincing red thread that wove the various musical fragments into a coherent whole.
Musically, the concert could count on a strong performance. Oratoriumkoor deCHORALE proved to be a tight and expressive ensemble, which with the strong opener 'Geh, Jesu' immediately set the tone. The turbas made an impression through their dramatic force and clear articulation. At the same time, in the chorales, such as 'Herzliebster Jesu', 'O grosse Lieb' and 'Ach, Herr, las dein Lieb Engelein', a more restrained approach was chosen, which created moments of stillness and reflection.
The ensemble La Passione supported all this with style and finesse. The instrumental accompaniment remained consistently transparent and serving, without sacrificing expressiveness. The balance between choir and orchestra was carefully worked out, which contributed to the clarity of the whole.
The soloist team delivered a high-level performance. Each of them convincingly and musically presented his role. Arias such as 'Erbarme dich', 'Aus Liebe'', 'Ich will dir mein Herze schenken' and 'Geb mir meinen Jesum wieder' were performed with feeling and technical mastery, making them serve as emotional anchor points in the program.
An extra dimension was added by the projected images, which visually supported the whole without being intrusive. They reinforced the atmosphere and helped the audience dive even deeper into the story.
Under the inspired leadership of conductor Paul Dinneweth, this concert grew into a convincing and coherent total experience. What especially distinguishes this project is the way it manages to combine respect for the original material with a contemporary approach.
The audience reacted with particular enthusiasm: the interplay of narration, music and image was experienced as very successful, with particular praise for the accessibility and clarity of the whole.
This "new passion" proves that Bach's music is not only timeless, but continues to inspire creative reinterpretation. A daring concept that convinces – and especially moves.