Although classical music is often thought to be something that doesn't change over decades and centuries, historic events can dramatically change perspectives on it for years at a time, as well as how it's performed. An objective ear apprehends similarities in the post-disaster performances. Typically, Gardiner's Bach has a firm pulse and clear musical destinations. The radio broadcast of his day-after St. Matthew Passion revealed tempos that became more contemplative as the piece went on, almost as if the performers didn't want to let go of it.