Charpentier's two Latin oratorios, Caecilia virgo et martyr and Filius prodigus were first issued on LP five years ago. Then I remarked on the high degree of artistic accomplishment shown by artists who achieve an effective cohesion of style and unanimity of purpose. the performances sound as fresh and as lively now as they struck me in 1980. In fact, perhaps, marginally more so as the CD transfer is a particularly good one. Both works have a strongly Italienate character since the models were the oratorios of Charpentier's Roman teacher, Carissimi. Filius prodigus, inspired by the story of the Prodigal Son is, perhaps, the more individual of the two works, but anyone with a taste for dissonant harmonies, rhythmic vitality and tenderness of expression will find plenty to enjoy in both.
Performances of this calibre are unlikely to be surpassed for some while to come. The LP and CD are both recommended: 60 minutes and 30 seconds of unqualified pleasure.'