Search - Handel and Haydn Society :: All Is Bright

Brilliant Array of Christmas Music

Ozmodiar68 | Buckhannon, WV | 01/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is really a tremendous survey of some very powerful and beautifully performed Christmas choral literature. The pieces range from 15th century carol arrangements to modern, 20th century works from an variety of composers (many of whom have achieved some degree of notoriety in today's crowded choral music field). Representatives include Eric Whitacre, Jennifer Higdon, Ned Rorem, and Virgil Thomson to name a few. All are spectacularly performed by the clear-toned and evenly balanced Handel and Haydn Society Chorus. Notable for their emphasis on historically-informed performance practice and a rich history including the American premier in the 1800s of Handel's Messiah, the choir performs as exceptionally on works of 400 years ago as they do on those written in our century.



Notable, in my estimation, are two pieces particularly; the first is the Jennifer Higdon setting of the O Magnum Mysterium text. Written in her unmistakably angular, yet accessible style, Higdon's addition to the repertory stands up admirably next to other settings of the text. Second, the anonymous setting of the Coventry Carol allows the choir to demonstrate its versatility. The clarity of the choir's straight tone shines through the close harmonies and suspension-heavy lines. For sheer haunting beauty, it's hard to think of a piece that quite compares.



It bears noting that the liner notes contain full text translations of all the settings included, which is a great blessing, though there is a disappointing lack any elaborating notes around the various pieces. This should certainly not dissuade you, though, from purchasing this really, very excellent CD."