Schütz Musicalische Exequien
Capella de la Torre, Bavarian Radio Choir
Katharina Bäuml / Florian Helgath, conductor
As Fabrice Fitch explains (Gramophone Collection July 2024) there is already an ‘extensive discography’ for Heinrich Schütz's (1585-1672) Musikalische Exequien. Nevertheless, this new release from Florian Helgath and the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks offers a compelling account in collaboration with ensemble Capella de la Torre.
At the fore of the first part, the Lutheran Kyrie, is the striking and declamatory tone of the soloists who contrast with the warm blend of the choir to create a superb separation between favoriti and rhythmically taut choral ritornelli. Take for instance the solo Alto and Bass phrases beginning: Leben wir, so leben wir dem Herren [...] (Whether we live, we live unto the Lord...) there is an admirable confidence to these solos, clear and bell-like which is immediately followed by a chorus: Herr Gott, heiliger Geist, erbarm dich über uns. (Lord God, Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.) that creeps in with a pleading quality. Then, soloists re-enter with great rhythmic precision to declaim that 'God so loved the world'. This quick-change quality, supported by superb instrumentalists, is for me the defining quality of this release. The corresponding moment from Vox Luminis' Gramophone Award winning album (2012) is more reflective and prayerful and whereas my preference is with that reflective approach I cannot but be gripped by Florian Helgath's visceral reading, and especially his choir who sing with a precision and sympathy that belies their size.
[...]
For the full text of this review please click here: Gramophone August 2024
Comments
Post a Comment