Theile St Matthew Passion
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Johann Theile
Label: Harmonia Mundi
Magazine Review Date: 6/1986
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 0
Catalogue Number: HMC90 1159
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
St Matthew Passion |
Johann Theile, Composer
Charles Medlam, Conductor Eva Nässén, Mezzo soprano Harry van der Kamp, Bass Johann Theile, Composer John Potter, Tenor Kurt Equiluz, Tenor London Baroque Mary Beverly, Soprano Rogers Covey-Crump, Tenor Stephen Varcoe, Baritone |
Author: Nicholas Anderson
Johann Theile's St Matthew Passion dates from 1673. In my original review I remarked both upon the high level of musical interest maintained in the work and upon the responsiveness and sympathy of the artists towards it. vocal and instrumental forces are carefully blanaced and intonation is almost unfailingly reliable. The scoring consists of violins in two parts, viola da gamba and basso continuo (which unfortunately read as ''bassoon'' continuo in the first review!) with a complement of seven voices. It's an intimate and quietly contemplative setting in which I am finding much enjoyment. The CD transfer is excellent though only marginally preferable to the fine LP sound; but there is a snag, and a not inconsiderable one, for there is not a vestige of the text in the accompanying CD booklet. This regrettable omission is going to cause irritation and disappointment to a great many listeners and marrs what is otherwise an interesting release. Since the booklet included with the LP format is such a good one, containing all that the listener requires, it may well be the version to go for.'
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