‘The Ex Cathedra performance is superb … finely balanced between the over-dramatic and the merely prosaic. Jeremy Budd is an unaffected narrator of the Evangelist’s story … and, as choral singers, all the aria soloists are free of overly-distinctive vocal affectations. Obbligato instruments are excellent throughout, mometary blemishes of intonation well worth the added exuberance of live performance in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.’ (BBC Music Magazine – 5*)