If you thought Bach’s monumental St John’s Passion needed a large-scale choir and orchestra, think again. On Tuesday night, at St Michael at the Northgate in Cornmarket, the Oxford Singers demonstrated emphatically that the work can be just as effective with a chamber-size choir and a handful of instrumentalists. With a chorus of just eight, most of them doubling as soloists, these singers managed to create the impression of a much larger ensemble, producing a full-bodied sound throughout that resonated with passion and intensity.

Despite the fact that this was sung in the original German, this was an eloquent and articulate rendition that captured the various moods and conflicts of the Passion with pin-point accuracy. Musically, too, this was spot on; rich, vibrant and compelling, with conductor David Crown ensuring strict attention to dynamics and timing. Crowd scenes were delivered with suitable vigour, while the chorales were performed with the sensitivity and tender, lyrical quality that they so obviously demand.

Particularly impressive was Edmund Hastings, who handled the pivotal role of the Evangelist with great clarity and emotion, overlaid with skilful use of vocal colour. Charles Martin contributed a stirring and solidly-sung Christus, although I would have liked him to be more visible; from where I was sitting (more or less centrally) he was partly obscured by a pillar. Other solo numbers were provided by the choir, all of them so competent that it seems unfair to single any out. But, if forced to do so, I would have to pick out Lizzie Deacon’s moving portrayal of Christ’s final moments in Es ist vollbracht (It is finished).

The Oxford Singers will be giving a repeat performance of the St John Passion on Sunday, April 5, at the same venue, at 7.45. Tickets available on the door or by calling 01608 676953. If you missed it the first time, it is well worth trying to catch this second performance.