Search - Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel :: René Jacobs by himself ... 1977-2007, Un bout de chemin ensemble [Includes DVD]

Excellent introduction to a fine conductor and countertenor

Jim | 08/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the 2-Cd/1-DVD boxed set, "Philippe Herreweghe by Himself" (also on the Harmonia Mundi label), "Rene Jacobs by Himself" is a handsomely packaged, high quality set that serves as an excellent introduction to a prolific conductor (and in Jacobs' case, singer as well). The nearly 1-hour long DVD gives me greater insight into who Jacobs the person is and what his sensibilities are than I have gotten from reading interviews or just listening to his music, and it enhances my appreciation of his music. The 135 page booklet which accompanies the CDs (there is also a 31 page discography) is aesthetically pleasing to look at and the notes on each selection, while brief, are informative. This set is my introduction to Jacobs' music, and I am glad that I started with it. At one point on the DVD an opera director being interviewed (I did not catch his name) talks about how Jacobs seems to be entering a different state when he conducts. I think this is evident when listening to his music, and I find that I am drawn into that state when listening to many selections on the CDs in this set. A simple enough name for that state is ecstasy. I highly recommend this set to those who would like an overview of Rene Jacobs' fine work. For me there is not a weak moment in the 2 1/2 hours of music on the CDs, and the DVD, though nothing I would watch more than once or twice, is a nice bonus."