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Raphael Pichon's Pygmalion Ensemble Releases Definitive Recording of Bach's St. John Passion

publication · 2026-03-31

Conductor Raphael Pichon and his Pygmalion Ensemble have released a new recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion that is being described as a definitive interpretation. The recording has been praised for its exceptional quality, with critics noting it surpasses previous versions of this frequently recorded work. Pichon's approach presents the Passion as a universal human drama rather than solely a religious narrative. The Pygmalion Ensemble, known for its historically informed performances, delivers what reviewers consider a sensational achievement in Baroque music interpretation. This release adds to the extensive discography of Bach's choral masterpiece while establishing a new benchmark for future performances.

Key facts

  • Raphael Pichon conducted the recording
  • The Pygmalion Ensemble performed the work
  • The recording features Bach's St. John Passion
  • Critics describe it as surpassing previous versions
  • The interpretation presents the Passion as human drama
  • The ensemble is known for historically informed performance
  • The recording has been praised as sensational
  • Bach's work has been recorded numerous times before

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Pygmalion Ensemble

Sources