The Academy of Ancient Music – described as “the finest period-instrument orchestra in the world” by Classic FM – releases a significant new recording of J S Bach's St Matthew Passion BWV244, directed from the harpsichord by Richard Egarr.

Performed in the original 1727 version, and with a superlative roster of soloists, this recording is striking in its immediacy, clarity and directness, with numerous insightful and compelling details lost in subsequent versions.

This release – the fourth on AAM Records – follows 'Birth of the symphony: Handel to Haydn', named BBC Radio 3 'Disc of the Week' and awarded five stars in Classical Music; J S Bach’s St John Passion, which was nominated for a 2014 Gramophone Award for best baroque vocal recording; and J S Bach’s Orchestral Suites, awarded five stars by Fine Music Magazine, and called “exceptional ... a feast of meaningfully understated musicianship” in an Editor’s Choice review in Gramophone magazine.

Cast:
- James Gilchrist: Evangelista
- Matthew Rose: Jesus
- Ashley Riches: Pilatus