I don't know what got into the Philharmonia Baroque tonight, but it
performed a surprisingly disappointing Bach St. John Passion that ranged
from mediocre to worse.  Nicholas McGegan handled his virtuoso orchestra
fine, but Bruce Lamott's usually outstanding chorus was having an off
night, the soloists were just OK -- and the anticipated joint appearance
of bass-baritones Gary and John Relyea (father and son) fell through when
the younger Relyea canceled due to illness.  (Kevin McMillan stepped in,
to sing the role of Jesus.)

What saved the evening, in Berkeley's First Congregational Church, was
the appearance of Andreas Scholl, a magnificent singer mis-classified
as countertenor.  What the Passion needs and what Scholl provided is
an *alto*.  Clearly the finest male alto around, Scholl's delivery --
intonation, projection, diction -- is infused with warmth and rock-solid
musicality.  This was Scholl's local debut; I hope he will return one day,
soon, to sing Handel or Monteverdi -- or anything, really -- with the San
Francisco Opera.

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