As great a pleasure to hear as it was to make!
11/08/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus would like to chime in here - working with Sir Simon and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus was a thrilling experience, and Sir Simon's brilliant direction of the orchestra and the (ENORMOUS) double chorus shine through exquisitely in the recording. The tempos are every bit as manic as I remember them and the work still retains its clarity and impact. Bravo Birmingham and many thanks to EMI-Angel. Overall rating: UNFORGETTABLE!"
Fantastic
lou_goodwin@atkearney.com | Cleveland, Ohio, USA | 10/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus joining with the Birmingham Symphony and Chorus to create this work was a wonderful experience. Hearing the finished product is even more thrilling. The tonal quality is excellent. Words are crisp and clean. Orchestra timbre never overshadowing the chorus. Truly a feast for the ears!"
FINALLY AN OUTSTANDING BELSHAZZAR'S RECORDING
Gregg M. Howell | Baltimore, MD United States | 01/15/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this recording solely for the Belshazzar's Feast and that is what this review is based on.I am not a fan of William Walton. I fear he has been overrated on the whole, but Belshazzar's Feast is certainly one of his better compositions. I've sung this oratorio twice, and it is a very, very difficult piece of music for both singer and instrumentalist.Learning notes, rythmn, etc. is only the beginning. Interjecting the piece with all the drama, dynamics, and energy it requires is a monumental task for any chorus and orchestra. The performing forces combined to produce this recording are truly exceptional, especially the chorus. Crisp diction, unyielding attention to rythmn and dynamics turns this potentially wall of noise into a most enjoyable musical experience. It will be hard for you not to have chills at the end of this one!!"