This is wonderful. I have not enjoyed a choral work so much for a very long
time.
It has all the ingredients of a masterpiece ... colour, contrast, drama,
passion, memorable themes, durability, an original exposition of the text
and incredible writing for the solo voices and the choir.
And what a performance. Despite the gloomy subject the music is both vibrant
and compelling.
The soloists are first rate. The two sopranos are excellent and have contrasting
qualities in their respective voices. Catherine Malfitano has a clear mercurial
voice and glorious top notes and yet even this superlative singer is outshone
by Agnes Baltsa. Listen to her solo in the moving cavatina: fac ut
portem. I have not heard such a richly glorious voice since a full house
at a concert was unashamedly moved to tears by Sybil Michelow.
Whatever happened to Agnes Baltsa and why did we not hear more of her?
This work is a masterpiece and it has given my friends and I lasting pleasure.
It has no weak moments but is excellent throughout.
It is a pity that Julian Budden's booklet gives a swipe at Wagner which is
both unnecessary and irrelevant. Perhaps I should take note.
(this comment refers to the booklet in the original full-price
issue. We have not seen the red-line booklet - LM)
This disc is a joy and recommended as heartily as a mere mortal can!
Reviewer
David Wright
Performances
Recording
Catherine
Malfitano, Agnes Baltsa (sopranos), Robert Gambill (tenor), Gwynne Howell
(bass), Choir and Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino / Riccardo
Muti 
