Definitely one of the best records of René Jacobs, and one of the most fascinating works of Bach. First of all I must say that I found Matthaus Passion in its DVD-audio version (that of Harnoncourt / Teldec 1985 published early 2000s dice multichannel view). I then listened versions Herreweghe and Jacobs, following the expert advice that I read and in particular on Amazon (about that - I must say that the reviews and consumer comparisons with earlier versions invaluable to neophytes, particularly in the classical realm where critics are less and less available) I turned to this version, which is properly extraodinaire. I bought several Jacobs SACD discs, and this is undoubtedly one of the best. There is a warmth, a fervor that is rarely found in his other works (except the Figaro). This work of Bach's magic, it was amputated at birth and forgotten for two centuries ... Yet in all this work is exciting, catchy, sensual as well as spiritual, one realizes listening to this version. I understand the documents (I hate CDs and booklets) there is a Jacobs back on this work as a director - the arias are extraordinary, certainly at the versions I know ( Harnoncourt Herreweghe 1 and 2 and 1 and 2) and a much higher sound point of view: SACD version alone justifies the purchase, if you can find it is a joy. PS - I hope someday Harmonia Mundi will give production a vinyl version of her hit songs (Jazz Village does so very well) and I suggest they start with the Last Jacobs (the Matthaus Passion, Figaro and Don Giovanni). Happy listening to all.
