In the beginning was the Word


During the 1990s, I created a version of the Gospel of St John which I performed at various venues in the UK, and this was recorded as a CD in 2000. As a reading of the entire Gospel would take over three hours, I adapted the text to make a comfortable performance time - 1 hour 47 minutes, with an interval break (after Track 10 in the digital recording) - while maintaining the continuity of the story. A selection of musical extracts act as a counterpoint to the words.

I chose to read St John because I think it is the most poetic of of all the Gospels, containing many familiar passages and stories, and with several fine dramatic moments. I chose the Jerusalem Bible text, partly because it was being widely used, but also because its contemporary tone and intelligibility make it especially suitable for a dramatic reading.

Related recordings

Disc 1

In the beginning was the Word Handel: Zadok the Priest
This is how John appeared Monteverdi: Responsorium
There was a wedding at Cana Monteverdi: Sonata sopra Sancta Maria
There was one of the Pharisees Monteverdi: Sonata sopra Sancta Maria
Jesus went with his disciples Monteverdi: Nis dominus
He came to a Samaritan town Handel: Exceeding glad
There was a Jewish festival Handel: Glory and worship
There was a man named Lazarus Fauré: In paradisum

Disc 2

The Jewish Passover drew near Handel: The King shall rejoice
Jesus found a young donkey Tavener: Hymn for the dormition
Do not let your hearts be troubled Fauré: Cantique de Jean Racine
Jesus left with his disciples Fauré: Cantique de Jean Racine
They then led Jesus Tavener: Dies irae
Pilate then had Jesus taken away Tavener: Song for Athene
In the evening of that same day Monteverdi: Sit laus
Jesus showed himself again Pergolesi: Stabat mater
This disciple is the one Handel: Alleluja

During the 1990s, I created a version of the Gospel of St John which I performed at various venues in the UK, and this was recorded as a CD in 2000. As a reading of the entire Gospel would take over three hours, I adapted the text to make a comfortable performance time - 1 hour 47 minutes, with an interval break (after Track 10 in the digital recording) - while maintaining the continuity of the story. A selection of musical extracts act as a counterpoint to the words.

I chose to read St John because I think it is the most poetic of of all the Gospels, containing many familiar passages and stories, and with several fine dramatic moments. I chose the Jerusalem Bible text, partly because it was being widely used, but also because its contemporary tone and intelligibility make it especially suitable for a dramatic reading.