TWO or three Bach settings of the Passion used to be standard Lenten fare around York not so long ago. This year there is only one. So for that alone the university, and its music department in particular, deserves three cheers.

The St Matthew Passion, conducted by Peter Seymour, predictably sold out.

It was a performance to savour, on several fronts. Naturally the choir must take pride of place even if, at upwards of 70 voices, it must be the largest "chamber" choir in the country. This was a thoroughly prepared, youthful, and above all attentive group, whose "crowd" choruses were especially exciting. We have come to expect, with this conductor, that the chorales will be galloped, regardless of context - even O Sacred Head was like a race for the tape. But such streamlining served the choir superbly in every other respect.

Recitatives, arias and small roles were handled by two dozen soloists from within its ranks. All were all delivered competently, some a great deal better than that. Very few, however, projected the German crisply.

Stephen Varcoe made a commanding Christus, deeply felt, while Joseph Cornwell is now an Evangelist of considerable stature. Peter's tears were especially touching.

Last, but perhaps the real hero of the hour, was the orchestra. It had any number of uplifting moments. Scintillating cellos during the thunder and lightning, soulful obligato first violin, rock-solid bassoon, rich oboes, deft gamba - take your choice. A splendid achievement.

Updated: 09:20 Saturday, March 12, 2005