SITE RATING: 8/10
SITE
REVIEW: This filmed
telecast of Messiah,
which appeared on Canadian television in
December 2010, is a polished, traditional
performance, with good production values and
camera work showcasing the gorgeous Basilique
Notre-Dame of Montreal. Although played on
modern instruments, the Symphony Orchestra of
Montreal performs vibrantly under the baton of
Ken Nagano, and the OSM Chorus sings
passionately, if not always with tonal unity;
various sections seem to come to the fore at
odd moments, and the audio seems to soften at
times as well, muffling the soloists.
The production values are clean, but the
director of cinematography creates camera
moves that draw attention to themselves, such
as long swooping rushes up the aisle, and then
reversed (I counted this same camera move at
least twice), or an over-the-top of the
lighting fixture shot, which took me out of
the performance. Nagano's tempos are
right in line with modern sensibilities, and
he brings welcome speed to certain movements
(such as a thrilling "The Lord Gave The Word")
which perks things up considerably.
Soloists are vocally excellent, with
Michael Schade throwing himself physically
into his performance, and countertenor Daniel
Taylor a welcome addition, although he
struggles in catching breaths at times.
Soprano Dominique LaBelle is fine, with
a bright, ringing tone, and bass Tyler Duncan
is wonderfully clean and polished, with a good
woody timbre in his tone and excellent
control. A good overall performance,
with only the nagging feeling that it's all
too conservative and safe in it's
interpretation.
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