Customer Reviews

Handel - Dixit Dominus · Salve Regina · Laudate pueri · Saeviat tellus / Massis · Kozená · Fulgoni · Henckens · McLean-Mair · Pujol · Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having just panned John Eliot Gardiner's recent recording of Dixit Dominus (Philips, Nov. 2001), I will only say here that this disc is eminently satisfactory for all the reasons cited in the other reviews. I'm especially taken with the solo work, and with Ms. Massis in particular - her account of Saeviat Tellus is a marvel. Minkowski gives the Dixit all of its startling, vivid color and the live performance seems to add to the lustre. Don't hesitate to invest in this recording - it will repay you with hours of listening pleasure. Stanley Sadie is right!

The french conductor and Handel-lover Marc Minkowski and his original instruments ensemble Musiciens du Louvre gives a flamboyant and delightful performance. Especially the beautiful Dixit Dominus HWV 232.The recording is so alive and spirited that this cd must be strongly recommended.

If you want to experience some absolutely wonderful music by Handel that is rarely performed then you should check out this disc. As I have made clear in my other reviews, I am a big fan of Marc Minkowski and his brilliant orchestra. These are passionate and exciting performances like most of his productions. Though, some things disturbs me. Most of all:
Why no harsichord? Many of the pieces would strongly benefit from the use of a harpsichord. The rhytmical details are really quite lost in the more dramatic movements and the textures easily gets blurry. It might be "authentic" in some way but there are so many other things that are not so why does he bother? As usual the french choirs are not really impressive. The intonation is far from impeccable but still, compared to for example the choir of C. Rousset, good and acceptable. Overall a great disc which is by the way a live recording. Kozena and Massis are superb. Dixit Dominus is the true highlight of the cd. If you like Handel it's worth buying just for this piece!
Yet another recording that kills of the "flat-earthers" illusion that period performances are boring!!

Mark Minkowski is a master of authentic interpretations of music of this period. This is music from a young Handel writing in his most Italianate style. If you are a fan of Venetian baroque choral music you will like this disc. Sophisticated, bright and joyous featuring two wonderful soprano voices to enjoy solo and in concert.

Dixit, Laudate, Saeviat are some of Handel's most glorious music. Overall I would NOT recommend this disk highly, if at all. The soloists are all very nice, esp the sop Massis, but the orchestration and choir are not at all musical for the most part, with a wooden, almost military feel with little, if any, expression. This is not helped by the ridiculous tempi imposed by the conductor. Much of the music is FAR too fast, resulting in a rushed feel, with the soloists and other performers having to compensate - not a good sound! A real shame, because if the music weren't so rushed, it would be far more attractive. Having said that, the 'De Torrente' sop duet in Dixit is ravishing, and almost perfect in it's gentle, lilting pace - very odd to say the least given the furious pace of the initial Dixit chorus (FAR too fast!) Perhaps the lack of musicality evident in most of the disk is due to the excessive speed? For a better Laudate and Dixit on the one disk I'd go for Stephen Cleobury with the English Chamber Orch and Kings College Choir. Not perfect, but far more preferable to my ears!

I like this recording and the selections. It has a very pleasant feel to it. I listen to this whenever I get an opportunity to relax with it. I have never come across such a rarefied CD such as this. The orchestrations are exemplary. I highly endorse this one.

This music shines blissfully though the centuries and Kozena's voice, passion, sincerity and articulation will make your spirit soar. Handel, the master of the joyous oratorio does not disappoint and Massis' performance is of equal brilliance.

Hard day? This could be the antidote you need!

If the use of 'pedestrian' to describe a music performance is ever justified, this would be it. This is a horrible, horrible performance of Dixit Dominus - this piece demands a lot of the choir, but they don't even try to hit the right pitch. Handel would not appreciate this cacophony. I don't remember much of the remaining on the disc. I was too dismayed that I donated my copy to the school library.