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Stravinsky loathed superimposed 'expressiveness', and always insisted his music should be executed rather than interpreted. On that basis, this latest release from the RIAS Chamber Choir of... — BBC Music Magazine, August 2006, 3 out of 5 stars
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Gramophone Magazine
September 2006
Editor's Choice
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Show 4 remaining tracks for Stravinsky: Cantate Hide 4 tracks for Stravinsky: Cantate
August 2006
Stravinsky loathed superimposed 'expressiveness', and always insisted his music should be executed rather than interpreted. On that basis, this latest release from the RIAS Chamber Choir of Berlin Radio comes up pretty well. The Chamber Choir's pitches are true and focused, rhythms crisp, textures clean, and in the jubilant wedding cantata-ballet Les noces that marked the culmination of Stravinsky's early Russian period there is a clear and spacious sound balance with its accompanying ensemble of four pianos and percussion.
2010
Stravinsky's recording of Les noces is famous for its ruthlessness, yet the piece is about a folk wedding, and one feature of most weddings is joy. That, a feeling of rhythmic joy, is what makes this new performance so exhilarating. The rhythms are unrelenting, spellbinding, only pausing for the blessing, the two mothers' lament, and the moment the mother lets her daughter go. The performance is terrific, directed with superb exuberance by Daniel Reuss.
Why is the Mass not better known? Stravinsky, an ardent believer, wrote it for himself and for liturgical use, but it is only really known from recordings. It too has an archaic feeling but it is wonderfully lyrical and inspired. The pungent harmonies give it bite, especially in the thrilling Sanctus, and the Agnus Dei is haunting in the same way that the 'alleluias' at the end of the Symphony of Psalms are unforgettable. The Cantata, too, opens gloriously and is lyrically inspired throughout, using four verses from the Lyke-Wake Dirge interspersed with polyphonic Ricercari allotted to solo voices accompanied by celestial flutes, oboe, cor anglais and cello. The music is extraordinarily beautiful – and here is another surprise: it is possible to write serial music worth listening to! The performances are all marvellous: who would have expected to hear Carolyn Sampson singing Stravinsky? This record is not to be missed.
September 2006
Stravinsky's recording of Les noces is famous for its ruthlessness, yet the piece is about a folk wedding, and one feature of most weddings is joy. That, a feeling of rhythmic joy, is what makes this new performance so exhilarating. The performance is terrific, directed with superb exuberance by Daniel Reuss... Why is the Mass not better known? It too has an archaic feeling but it is wonderfully lyrical and inspired. The performances are all marvellous: who would have expected to hear Carolyn Sampson singing Stravinsky? This record is not to be missed.