Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus & Motets / Scholl [Import]

Antonio Vivaldi (Composer), Paul Dyer (Conductor, Performer), Andreas Scholl (Performer), Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (Orchestra), Linda Kent (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Paul Dyer, Andreas Scholl, Linda Kent
• Orchestra: Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
• Conductor: Paul Dyer
• Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
• Audio CD (June 13, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: ABC / Decca Import
• ASIN: B00004TL0M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,930 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seraphic, January 7, 2001

By 

W. Pearce (Pretoria, South Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus & Motets / Scholl (Audio CD)

The James Bowman/Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood recording of Vivaldi's "Nisi Dominus" has been the unassailably supreme amongst many since the late 1970s - now it has been brutally and irretrievably summoned to contest by this beguiling recording of Andreas Scholl. Lie down, close your eyes, be still, empty your mind, and then listen to track 4 ("Cum dederit delictis suis somnum ...."). This is probably what mediaeval theologians would have described as an instance of celestial "irruption" into our dreary temporal existence. In this passage Andreas Scholl sounds like an angel from the most exalted realms of heaven - he manifests a truly preternatural musical instinct and understanding that beggars the imagination and overwhelms even after repeated listening.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional collaboration between Scholl and Dyer, June 20, 2000

By 

J. R. Gunsell "Maglinders" (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus & Motets / Scholl (Audio CD)

I have long loved Michael Chance's Nisi Dominus but Scholl's reading of it takes us very close to what I imagine was Vivaldi's musico-religious concept. This ancient Hebrew Psalm is used by the Church at Midday Prayer, and describes the fulfilled happiness of one who befriends and relies on God. With Scholl and Dyer, the Cum Dederit stanza reaches into one's very soul. Vivaldi's deployment of watery barcarolle supports most beautifully the metaphor of lovingly-indulged midday (!) rest for the Lord's beloved ones upon whom (in the Grail English translation, which tries to be faithful to the ancient Hebrew rhythm) He showers gifts and fruitfulness even while they are sleeping, in contrast to the listener/pray-er who depends solely on vain toil. The sleepy, God-given peacefulness of this verse as portrayed by Scholl and Dyer is a tremendous musical achievement which I cannot imagine being surpassed. Doctors should prescribe it to ameliorate the stress of the rat-race. Speaking of which, the briskness and attack of the Psalm's first verse reflect, for me, the bustle of Vivaldi's Venice: noisy with builders and merchants rushing about looking for a profit.

I find these interpretations by Dyer and Scholl almost beyond words. Scholl achieves new heights of technical and musical finesse, clearly the fruit of an exceptional collaboration. His instinct that he "must" do this with the Brandenburg was obviously well-founded and my respect for his musical judgement increases accordingly. I even take my hat off to Decca despite their delaying release (why?) in the UK until September 2000. Until now I have not liked the approach of their recording engineers to his voice but this time they are up to Harmonia Mundi standards. (A huge compliment. I was very sad when he left HM.)

I have been waiting in vain for Andreas Scholl to record Purcell, but if he produces this sort of thing while I am waiting, I'll happily keep on waiting.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank God for Andreas Scholl, June 19, 2005

By 

cherubino (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus & Motets / Scholl (Audio CD)

I place Andreas Scholl in the same stratosphere as Joan Sutherland and Montserrat Caballe, artists that at their very best can make you weep with joy.

This recital came after Scholl's debut recital for Decca, called Heroes. It seems that with Heroes, Andreas was trying to adopt a more vibrato-laden, operatic style. Those familiar with his earlier recordings for Harmonia Mundi undoubtedly noticed the difference. I, for one, was not quite happy with the "new" Scholl; however, with this recital, he reminded all of us what all the fuss was about.

The past year has witnessed an awakened interest in Vivaldi's music, particularly his operas. This recital, Nisi Dominus, features religious music, and it is utterly sublime. The moods range from dark and pensive to jubilant, and Andreas Scholl captures each one perfectly. The voice is like liquid gold.

I strongly urge anyone with a taste for Vivaldi to discover this recital.