SITE RATING: 8/10
SITE
REVIEW: In reading
about the production of this CD, I discovered
that it has the distinction of being the first
recorded performance of Handel's Messiah
to ever be released in the Czech
Republic. Taken from two live
performances in 2018, the acclaimed Collegium
1704 ensemble, along with conductor Vaclav
Luks, have much to be proud of. The
recorded sound is gorgeous and clear,
betraying none of the pitfalls of a recorded
live setting. The Collegium 1704 is a
well-regarded baroque ensemble in
Czechoslovakia, and they show their prowess
here with finely delineated playing; sensitive
and clean, feeling each moment as one unified
ensemble. Vaclav Luks shows a sensitive,
knowing hand in his interpretation of the text
- giving weight to the text, and allowing the
performers to breathe and give space to
important moments. Tenor Krystian Adam
is splendid - light, yet authoritative, his
tone is warm and inviting, and he masterfully
gives emotional weight to the text. The
Collegium Vocale 1704 is remarkably precise
and clean in both their diction and unity -
their mastery of the English language is
wonderful - they sound like an English chamber
choir, and have a pure sound that is
transparent and lovely. Baritone
Kresimir Stazanac is a bit "blustery" for my
tastes, but he sings with great control and
mastery of the melismas. When he sings
"For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover The Earth"
he brings a haunting quality to his voice
which is unique in my experience.
Counter tenor Benno Schachtner's vibrato runs
a bit wide for my tastes, and runs counter to
the clean singing of others in the ensemble;
but he's not a weak link - he's a fine singer,
but I wish an alto had been used
instead. Vaclav Luks keeps tempos nicely
brisk - this is overall an electric
performance with beautifully recorded sound,
and an energetic, kinetic vision, which is
highly recommended for collectors.
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