Search - George Frideric Handel, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre :: Handel - La Resurrezione / Massis, Smith, Maguire, Ainsley, Naouri, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Minkowski

Handel's first oratorio (a sacred opera seria, really) is loaded with goodies that excite musicians and audiences alike: glittering coloratura spectaculars, showy boasts for Lucifer, grave laments, sweet elegies, plenty of pictorial instrumental effects, and the tuneful, emotionally complex, central role of Mary Magdalene. Marc Minkowski and his forces have stiff competition, especially from Christopher Hogwood's old L'Oiseau-Lyre recording (grab that if it's reissued), featuring Kirkby and Kwella at their very best. Unfortunately, while Smith is unlistenable as Magdalene--she is way past her prime--everyone else is stunning. Massis as the Angel is Kirkby's equal; Maguire and Naouri fill their music with skill and passion; Ainsley makes the potentially sleepy role of St. John mouth-wateringly beautiful. The performance isn't flawless, but it's extraordinary--buy it. --Matthew Westphal