In my venerable copy of the St Matthew, edited by Elgar and Ivor Atkins, it is described as "the noblest sacred work in existence". An English translation, for which the editors make no apology, it raises the argument which still rumbles on – much in evidence on this occasion – about the validity of not singing the work in its original German.

This performance, in German, certainly had elements of nobility. Is there a finer Evangelist currently singing than James Gilchrist? The voice has not only clarity and power, but the sense of drama and pathos is superbly conveyed. Darren Jeffrey was a dignified Christus.

Michael Chance, heart-rending in Erbarme dich, the feeling of pain almost palpable, finding every nuance, enhanced by the beautiful violin obbligato.

Carolyn Sampson floating beautifully against the oboe in Ich will dir, graceful and tender and Robin Tritschler's vibrant tenor, especially effective with the chorus in O Schmerz, urgent and full of pain. And Roderick Williams, richly resonant in Mache dich, conveying the utter desolation of the scene, yet also giving a glimmer of hope in this most poignant aria. An exceptional cast of soloists, enhanced by masterly playing from The Parley of Instruments, particularly in the obbligato passages with flutes, oboes and strings. It was an outstanding combination.

And the choir was right up alongside, from the venom in the scourging scene with Pilate, full of the mindless rage of the mob baying for blood, to the hushed slow chorales. Wenn ich ein mal was intensely moving, measured and heart-felt. The balance was good, the quality of the sound and the flexibility to respond to the changes in mood and tempo very impressive. And they provided a splendid set of soloists for the smaller but important solo parts.

Conductor Gavin Carr gave us a performance to remember, his judgment of pace and the shifting emphasis as the drama unfolds, sure and well controlled. He has come relatively early to this massive musical challenge and his understanding of it is already very perceptive. A final word on the quality of the programme. It was comprehensive, clear and full of well-researched information which – almost – compensated for listening to the work in German.

Peter Lloyd Williams