 Messiah Matches Christmas Mood
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| Members of the Choir rehearsing in
Symphony Hall |
It's Christmas time again and for those needing help while struggling
with their inner curmudgeon, here was one ritual that still had a
joyous spiritual message.
Adrian Lucas led his forces with sustained intensity through
Handel's familiar masterpiece in a performance notable for its
rhythmic vitality as well as emotional range.
The tone was set from the start by tenor Eamonn Mulhall,
substituting at very short notice for an indisposed Simon Wall
as "Comfort ye" was delivered with bright clear colour
and confident tone.
Later, his touching rendering of "Thy rebuke hath broken his
heart" was one of the heartfelt moments of the evening. Mezzo
Wendy Dawn Thompson impressed with her communicative power, drawing
us into the story with "Behold, a virgin shall conceive".
From soprano Rebecca Outram we heard the less often performed
12/8 version of "Rejoice greatly", which tripped along in
great style, with a satisfying freedom of elaboration in the
repeated final section.
Bass James Birchall had fewer opportunities to shine, and if he
baulked a little at the vehemence with which "the nations
raged", he made up for it with "And the trumpet shall
sound", aided by the burnished tone and striking echo effects
of the solo trumpet.
In choruses such as "And he shall purify", the light-
footed CBC belied their large numbers (140 strong) with lovely
pointed articulation and confident entries from each section, the
excellent sopranos' octave leaps pinging out with perfect intonation.
Later the choir's hushed and accurate singing had enough in
reserve to produce great fortissimo outbursts in "Wonderful,
Counsellor."
The main impression of the evening was of energy and joyfulness,
and as befits this season of rejoicing, here was a Messiah that
danced as well as sang.
John Gough in The Birmingham Post,
Monday 10 December 2007
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... superb clarity and wonderful dynamics.
