SITE RATING:
8/10
SITE REVIEW:
This filmed telecast of Messiah,
which appeared on Canadian television in December 2010, is a polished,
traditional performance, with good production values and camera work
showcasing the gorgeous Basilique Notre-Dame of Montreal. Although
played on modern instruments, the Symphony Orchestra of Montreal
performs vibrantly under the baton of Ken Nagano, and the OSM Chorus
sings passionately, if not always with tonal unity; various sections
seem to come to the fore at odd moments, and the audio seems to soften
at times as well, muffling the soloists. The production values
are clean, but the director of cinematography creates camera moves that
draw attention to themselves, such as long swooping rushes up the
aisle, and then reversed (I counted this same camera move at least
twice), or an over-the-top of the lighting fixture shot, which took me
out of the performance. Nagano's tempos are right in line with
modern sensibilities, and he brings welcome speed to certain movements
(such as a thrilling "The Lord Gave The Word") which perks things up
considerably. Soloists are vocally excellent, with Michael Schade
throwing himself physically into his performance, and countertenor
Daniel Taylor a welcome addition, although he struggles in catching
breaths at times. Soprano Dominique LaBelle is fine, with a
bright, ringing tone, and bass Tyler Duncan is wonderfully clean and
polished, with a good woody timbre in his tone and excellent control.
A good overall performance, with only the nagging feeling that
it's all too conservative and safe in it's interpretation.
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