Search - Bach, Hartelius, Paulsen :: Christmas Oratorio

Sublime Realization - the Best Recording to Date!!

Jay | Europe & USA in equal parts | 06/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know to which recording the previous reviewer is referring, but it is not this one. This IS NOT a performance of the Hungarian Radio Choir. This rendering comes from the Orchester der KlangVerwaltung and Chorgemeinschaft Neubeuern under the more-than-able direction of Enoch zu Guttenberg.The Orchester der KlangVerwaltung is based in Munich and comprised of members of the Berlin Philharmonic, Stuttgart State Opera, Deutsche Oper am Rhein and Cologne Radio Orchestera. The orchestra roster is rounded out with various soloists, chamber musicians and competition winners hand picked by Herr Dirigent zu Guttenberg. Truly a collection of incredibly gifted musicians! The Chorgemeinschaft Neubeuern is a "traditional Bavarian folk choir" from the village of Neubeuern. The recording and performance are the finest known to me. First, the performance is blessed with the incomparable (aside from Maurice Andre!) Swedish trumpet player, HAkan HArdenberger. Without question the finest trumpeter before the public today, I consider this to be one of his finest recorded performances. It stands alongside both his Telemann and debut release on Philips (Haydn, Hummel, Stamitz, Hertel) as the quintessential captures of his singular brilliance to be found on disc. HArdenberger's interpretation and execution are flawless as usual, but there is a special quality about the recorded sound of his playing here. Characteristically resplendent and sensitive, both musically and interpretively, additional nuances of vibrancy and sheer joy are evidenced in his performance here. While the execution of all participants is deft and indeed virtuosic in every sense, there is a distinct feeling that the hinge on which this entire production turns is the direction of zu Guttenberg. Tempi, balance and texture are copiously spot on throughout. And the blending of orchestra, chorus and soloists is perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of this account. Combine these attributes with the most festively exuberant rendering of the Christmas Oratorio I have had the privilege of listening to, and the result is an unmitigated REVELATION where this magnificent work from the pen of J.S. is concerned.Also noteworthy is the exemplary performance of tenor Tom Allen. The work of soprano Malin Hartelius, alto Melinda Paulsen and bass Dietrich Henschel should also be lauded. My greatest regret is that this recording is currently unavailable. I was lucky enough to pick it up in Munich in the Spring of '98, where I filled in briefly on trumpet in the Bavarian Radio Symphony. I couldn't possibly offer a more enthusiastic recommendation of this recording. DO NOT hesitate to grab this one if you are fortunate enough to locate a copy!"