Bach’s high drama was so well expressed, especially in the interactions among the evangelist, Jesus, Pilate, and the crowd, but also when the maid and the servant were part of the action. Often it seemed that the characters were even talking over one another. I’ve both sung and played this music (viola and viola d’amore), so I understand how hard it is to pull off such rapid exchanges. Apollo’s Fire made it sound effortless! There is so much beauty that it’s hard to single out one part or another, but I found the closing chorale especially moving.