The Chorus & Direction was Outstanding
L. E. Pacek | Chicago, IL | 11/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've searched far and wide for a great recording of Dubois' The Seven Last Words of Christ and so far have not found one. This performance by Exaltate is very good, however, and the best I have found. First the good things: The choir is outstanding, maintaining a beautifully blended style that readily handles the more aggressive parts of the work (particularly on the 2nd Word) and rendering the tender moments in a beautifully heart-breaking fashion. The conducting is excellent as the interpretation of the piece which ranges well from intimate poignancy to the crowd segements with their mocking rebuke, all but make you ashamed to imagine the original events. I especially liked the tempo on the 2nd Word. You can almost hear the spittle flying from their lips.
Now to the problems: The performances by the soloists are just passable. Not horrible, but not inspiring. The baritone has a rumbling, yet thin style in his lower ranges and the tenor at times seems overmatched by the piece, yet in the context of the greater combined work, are easily listenable to even after advanced listenings. I wish for stronger soloists if they ever re-record the piece. A powerful baritone, a subtle and fascile tenor and a crystal pure soprano would've made this a great recording. The violin lead on the final track comes close, but given the material, should've been able to make me cry.
Still waiting for the great recording I hoped for, but still the best version I've found."
The Seven Last Words of Christ
Wayne | 01/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The instrumentation and quality of the choir, make this a beautiful and moving recording.I highly recommend it."
The old college try
Jeremy Gilpatric | Akron, OH | 04/02/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Exultate's performance is a solid college/church choir level performance. The orchestra has pitch/tuning issues at times. The chorus is quite good. A descent amateur performance... not on par with Robert Shaw. The piece is sung in English."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
