For many people a performance of one of Bach’s Passions is an essential part of their preparation for Holy Week and Easter. That need was more than adequately provided for by the performance of the St Matthew Passion in the Cathedral, given by a fine team of soloists, orchestra, the Herefordshire Junior Singing Club and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of Geraint Bowen.

This version of the Passion is on a grander scale than Bach’s other Passion setting, the St John; it is also more thoughtful, less dramatic, and this performance reflected that difference very clearly. Where drama was needed it was the more effective because of the contrast it created. The ‘Thunder and Lightning’ chorus, delivered with biting incision, and the rending of the veil of the Temple being cases in point.

Performances of the Passion rest heavily on the shoulders of the Evangelist, and in Simon Wall we had an excellent story-teller, well paced, impeccably tuned and, no less importantly, he was supported by a skilled continuo team of Peter Dyke (organ) and David Hatcher (’cello); the latter also produced some of the best solo playing of the evening on his Viola da Gamba. Colin Campbell’s Christus had all the gravitas that one could wish for in that rôle. The other four soloists, Lucy Bowen (soprano), James Bowman (countertenor), Huw Rhys-Evans (tenor) and Robert Rice (bass) played their rôles as commentators on the unfolding story with conviction and sincerity. Marches Baroque were the alert orchestra, producing unfailingly beguiling sounds and support for both soloists and choir.

The young members of the Singing Club made a telling contribution to the opening chorus. Lastly, and most impressively, the Cathedral Choir covered themselves in glory. Displaying great stamina as well as vocal skill and dexterity, the choristers carried off Bach’s demanding music with a panache that belied their youth – in this they were well supported by the adult singers. The final plaudit must go to Geraint Bowen, who not only trained the choir, but directed the performance with such skill. It was clear for all to see and hear that he had this great work in his soul.

Roger Judd