Search - Biber, Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra :: Requiem / Vesperae

Wonderful Recording

Jeff Lee | 11/08/1997

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a world premier, this CD's creators were naturally under great pressure: by performing for the first recording ever, Koopman and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra must set a great, unforgettable precedent for all others to follow. They don't disappoint. Biber's flamboyant yet austere, magniloquent yet humble Requiem comes forth in all of its glory. The strains of the Te Decet Hymnus in the opening, the hauntingly beautiful Lacrimosa, the emotion packed Quam Olim Abrahae, and the light, celestial Sanctus-the recording has brought forth what Biber must have intended when he wrote his Requiem. The Vesperae are also performed almost impeccably, though there could be room for more smoothing over in the Magnificat. The Orchestra follows with the voices in the Dixit Dominus perfectly, accenting them with blares of horns and brass. The phrases of Generationes in the Magnificat movement are voiced through with such perfect clarity both heaven and earth seem to join in that moment. This is a truly great recording. It warrants listening over and over again. END"

Superb performance of a neglected work

Claude Greenmount | The Universe | 01/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"An heroic piece, fit for the memorial of a great person. The performance is superbly executed. An excellent addition to one's classical CD collection."