The ASO chorus returns in fine form
Samer T Ismail | Danbury, CT | 08/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD marks the first new recording by the ASO Chorus since the death of their founder, Robert Shaw, in 1999, and this CD shows their skills are as polished as ever. That this CD marks one of the few recordings of this work by an American chorus makes it all the more remarkable.A Sea Symphony, Vaughan Williams's first, is by no means an immature work (at its 1910 première, VW was nearly 40): the orchestra is on par with many of Mahler's works (an organ is recommended, though not required), and the chorus is given a much more prominent role than in most "choral symphonies" that predated it (there is only one extended section for the soloists without the chorus, at "O we can wait no longer" in the finale).Much as they did on their Grammy-winning recording of Vaughan Williams's ~Dona nobis pacem~, the ASO and ASO Chorus play with consummate skill and beauty. The recording is splendid: the climaxes are breathtaking, and the pianissimos perfectly clear.
In particular, though, Christine Goerke's performance in what may be the most difficult solo Vaughan Williams wrote (the first movement has her sinking to the A below middle C!) is absolutely radiant, and should not be missed.I can only hope that the ASO will get around to recording VW's third large-scale choral work, "Sancta civitas;" they won 3 Grammys for "Dona nobis pacem," and I expect this CD will earn nominations as well; this ranks with Boult's 1960s recording of A Sea Symphony and Hickox's recording of "Sancta civitas" and "Dona nobis pacem" as one of the best VW recordings ever."
As large and powerful as the sea itself
Daniel Graser | Wappingers Falls, New York United States | 04/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There have been a number of beautiful recordings of Vaughn Williams', A Sea Symphony. However, none of them are nearly as powerful and bold as this splendid, grammy winning album. Robert Spano decides on some very quick tempi and they work very well especially in the scherzo movement where the waves crash like thunder. Goerke and Polegato, wile not that well known are very talented and moving soloists and blend quite well together while still being able to project over the orchestra. The engineering on this recording is absolutely perfect and delivers the Atlanta Symphony's masterful performance in wonderful sound. This is a wonderful recording that should not be mised by an music lover."
A good compromise, but there are better.
R. V. Wendel | NYC, NY United States | 07/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording has much going for it, headed by Telarc's splendid sound, and definitely the best choral singing ever of this work. Spano is totally commited to it, breaking into tears at the Carnergie Hall performce I attended. Yet I would rate this #3 on my chosen list of "Sea Symphony" recordings. At #2 is Handley and the Royal Liverpool Orchestra. Yes, there are screamers in the chorus and some ensemble work is a bit ragged, but there is more excitement in the climaxes, and more flow in the introspective sections. #1 if you can find this out-of-print version is the Slatkin Philharmonia recording on RCA. Pacing, structure, flow, excitment AND a properly balanced organ make it still the champ, especially when following with the conductor's score. What RVW wrote is ALL there. No unwanted ritards like in the Haitink, no lollygagging when forward movement is demanded, and plenty of restful beauty when it is. Yes, get this album to hold you until you can find the Slatkin, then hear ALL the beautiy and power Ralph wrote!"
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1
