J.S. Bach: St. Matthew Passion

The sound of modern instruments now seems strange to ears used to period ones, but Chailly and the Leipzigers have taken on board the stylistic findings of the period movement — these are fleet, enjoyable accounts, with virtuoso playing of the solo parts, especially the outstanding trumpeter Julian Sommerhalder in No 2, and Cornelia Grohmann (flute), Sebastian Breuninger (violin) and Michael Schönheit (harpsichord) in No 5.

Bach's masterpiece was first performed at the Thomaskirche and although the 19th century revival began in Berlin, Mendelssohn and the Gewandhausorchester cemented its position in the canon. Riccardo Chailly's new recording nods to the weight of tradition yet the purposeful, rosy, Victorian bloom of his orchestra is lightly applied.

The significance of the Eucharist isn't emphasised. In contrast, Chailly doesn't lessen its import and empowers Johannes Chum and Hanno Muller-Brachmann to achieve heights of eloquence. All musicians in this performance are similarly empowered.