Johannes-Passion / St. John Passion / Passion Selon St.-Jean

Released in 1967 on the Philips label, this recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion represents a significant entry in the mid-century discography of sacred choral works. Under the baton of Eugen Jochum, the production brought together the esteemed Concertgebouworkest and the Groot Omroepkoor, aiming for a reverent and emotionally weighted interpretation of Bach’s dramatic liturgical narrative.

The recording is noted for its distinguished cast of soloists, including Ernst Haefliger and Walter Berry, who were staples of the European classical scene at the time. By utilizing the lush, resonant acoustics of the Concertgebouw, Jochum sought to capture a sense of spatial depth and theological gravity. The set was well-received by contemporary critics for its disciplined yet expressive pacing, solidifying its place as a reliable and atmospheric reference recording during the analog era of high-fidelity classical music.