SITE RATING:
8/10
SITE REVIEW:
I can't tell you how joyous and refreshing it is to
discover a recording of Messiah
that not only hews closely to it's baroque roots, but with a simple,
but profound recasting, coupled with superb artistry, cleanness and
power, completely transforms it into something utterly unique.
The Black Dyke Band, (est. 1855) is an England-based brass band,
and under the brilliance of Dr. Denis Wright's arrangement, present
Handel's Messiah scored
entirely for brass accompianment, along with traditional vocal and
choral soloists. The change in color and presentation from both
historically performed and modern instruments is breathtaking;
with Messiah gaining a regal, rich sound utterly unlike any other
recording I've ever heard. The Black Dyke Band is superb in their
playing, giving rich, virtuoso performances, startling in their
adeptness, light-fingered in their attacks and melismas, and richly
recorded. All this would be for naught however, if the soloists
and choir were of a lesser light, but The Halifax Choral Society
(which, being established in 1817, promotes itself as the world's
oldest choral society) are impressive, rich in nuance and phrasing, and
expertly blended with the orchestra. There are occasional
internal blend and intonation issues, which keep this recording from
the top of the Messiah
echelon, but they are in general small, and I found myself completely
won over. The soloists are similarly excellent - and occasional changes
in vocal assignments (such as having "But who may abide" sung by the
Mezzo-soprano) which are ear-catching and interesting. The
soloist's tessituras are richer than modern tastes might dictate, but I
found them each emotionally invested in their solos, and completely
proficient. Conducter John Pryce-Jones' tempos are spot on, with
everything seemingly perfect in its place. But the real selling
point of this recording is the chance to hear a work so steeped in
familiarity given a new royal sheen, golden, and burnished with warmth.
If you have not availed yourself of this recording, it
is a MUST hear.
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