A nice suprise
Kyle E. Lockhart | Texas USA | 02/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have enjoyed Kermes's contributions to several of Alan Curtis's Handel recording but with this album, she really impressed me. She has such a different sound then most of the "baroque specialists" singing today. Her intensity is amazing and technically this is the best I have heard her sound. The pieces, all sacred music, are amazing. Don't be fooled though. The themes may be religious but the music is intense and exciting."
Miraculous Singing!
Erin Matthiessen | Portland, OR USA | 08/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is singing of the highest order by Simone Kermes, one of the very best sopranos specializing in the baroque repertoire. Her technique is nearly flawless: clean articulation, rhythmic acuity, excellent control of the breath and the musical line. The voice is a bit wiry - more Maria Callas, say, than Renata Tebaldi (just the first example that comes to mind; don't shoot me!) but therefore agile and precise.
The first, third and fourth cantata are appropriately furious, turbulent and tempestuous (see titles). It's exciting singing. But the second, "Nulla in mundo pax sincera", is something more: it's a miracle of emotional and vocal shading and subtlety, expressing both the inwardness of contemplation and then the joy that arises from it. I cannot praise it highly enough.
If you enjoy baroque vocal music, especially it's sacred aspect, you should buy this CD. Very moving, very enjoyable.
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