1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful disc, February 26, 2011
This review is from: Brahms: Choral Works (Audio CD)
No, Brahms was probably not at his best when writing short movements for choral forces, but still - how can you not love the music on this disc? The Liebeslieder Waltzes are popular among choral groups at all levels of professionality; they are unusually light and diverting for Brahms but delightfully captivating. The charm and schwung of the music is perfectly captured by Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir - and of course a choir like this is also able to capture all the textural plays with light and shade, the brief moments of serenity and the momentum of the work (their generally subtle use of rubato is delectable and utterly effective). They add some Viennese bonbon charm as well in what adds up to the most compelling performance I have heard. The soloists are great; sensitive, with beautiful sound, and they are well integrated into the sound picture.
The performances are equally convincing in the other works. The romantic op.17 songs are fascinating; scored for female voices, two horns and harp, they contain some absolutely ravishing textures (although to work I suppose they demand performances as good as they receive here). The other songs are generally more restrained and classical in feel, but contain some wonderful music as well. Again the Monteverdi Choir sings expressively, and produces some gorgeous textures while - and this is one of their most admirable features - keeping the separate vocal lines the make up the textures clean and clear. The sound is very good, and this disc is recommended with all possible enthusiasm.
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