Bach’s Johannes-Passion oratory, led by Calixto Bieito, aroused a terrible curiosity in the Arriaga Theatre. One of the most beautiful, powerful, profound works, based on the translation of the Bible by Martin Luther.

But we didn't find a normal version of the reference. I have to say beforehand that this criticism is going to be very personal, and what I am going to say does not question the quality of the wager offered or the applauded attempt at innovation. In fact, it was clear that the message or the essence of the work had reached the public and that is one of the most important goals in all shows.

With that said, you've realized that I didn't particularly like what I saw and heard. Even though I recognized that it was a show of great merit, as a listener or as a public, I didn't have to focus on it. It is assumed that what was intended with the play is to put in front of itself the violent passion that Bach's music wants to express, concealing the tenderness of Johannes-Passion. We are faced with a point of rudeness or clumsiness which conveyed concern. I don't know if it was necessary, and not because of bitterness, but because it was impossible to keep attention on what really matters: music. On the other hand, I should like to make one comment: Doesn't Bach's music have enough strength? Do you need these add-ons? I don't think so. Or does the audience need it to get to the essence of Bach? Yes, I have doubts.

Having said that, apart from the dry acoustics of the Arriaga Theatre, the musical outcome was truly worthy. The soloists had performed their roles well, even though it was often very difficult to support the voice in such tense, angered or in such difficult positions. Tenor Joshua Ellicott made an impeccable, expressive Evangelist, and along with tenor James Newby, they were the best soloists in the program. The young Newby made an incredible, profound and plausible interpretation. Low-Jonathan McGovern, in the role of Pilates, and Carlos Mena, also performed a convincing performance. The Norwegian soprano Solset in Berit Norbakk shone. The Bilbao Opera Choir was of great staging importance and filled the work with courage. The Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa, for its part, hardly came to us.