''This eminently accessible oratorio, whose impact is unquestionable … The piece is delivered with passionate, almost frightening intensity. From Polyphony under Stephen Layton's inspired direction one expects no less: luminously clear textures … His three vocal soloists are admirable too: the countertenor Iestyn Davies as the Evangelist in particular finding in his contributions a beautiful combination of sweetness and compassion' (International Record Review)