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Sousa Carvalho's 'Te Deum', superior to Handel's 'Messiah'??

Suzanne L Haney | Philadelphia, PA USA | 01/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would consider this 2 CD of rarely heard Portuguese sacred and choral work to be extraordinary. It is definitely a 'must have' and among the 25 recordings I would take to a desert island. Joao de Sousa Carvalho's command of choral religious vernacular and musical composition ranks with that of George Frederick Handel. De Sousa Carvalho's 'Te Deum', might perhaps be even a superior choral work to Handel's 'Messiah.' but unfortunately however, it is so little known.If the 'Classical Music Public' were more familiar with this work, they would expect to have it performed, as frequently as the classical choral repertoire with which they have become so familiar. It is doubtful de Sousa Carvalho or this 'Te Deum' has ever been performed in the United States, thought their was a stunning and well received London production of one of his secular vocal works, last year. This CD is a first step to bringing his, and work other fine Portuguese composers to a wider audience.My only suggestion, might be perhaps a different pairing for the 'Te Deum.' An additional selection from among de Sousa Carvalho's two other 'Te Deum' compositions, their overtures, or perhaps other pieces from his additional sacred works, might add to this already superior CD. The works by de Seixas, Teiteira, and de Almeida's are of excellent quality as well, but it would be nice to have some of their longer works included on the CD. Each of these men merit separate 2 CD sets of their sacred and other works, released. Not only is the very fine Portuguese music of this period, little known outside the Iberian Peninsula, but many compositions were destroyed during various 18th century earthquakes and resulting fires, and have been lost forever. Perhaps a substantial reward by the Portuguese Government or the EU Arts Commission could bring about the discovery of copies of additional compositions de Souse Carvalho, de Seixas, Teiteira, and de Almeida, among others, that MAY have escaped the major 1755 Lisbon earthquake, for example. Until more excellent Portuguese CD of this period are widely available, enjoy de Sousa Carvalho's 'Te Deum,' and the other fine selections on this CD release. It is most highly recommended!!!"