"I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better. (G.F. Händel)
In the summer of 1706, Georg Friedrich Händel arrives in Rome. There, in April 1707, his first psalm, Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110), resonates. It is a brilliant composition that carries enormous fire within it. Several oratorios that he composes there, together with this psalm, make him famous.
In this new recording by the Choeur de Chambre de Namur and the Cappella Mediterranea conducted by their music director Leonardo García-Alarcón, this "Dixit Dominus" inspires. From the first note, you are swept into a story that doesn't let go until the end. As you would expect from this top choir, all voices sound perfect and the array of soloists also fits wonderfully with them. The orchestra plays brilliantly, sometimes restrained, then again with full bravura. Here, truly, power and divine majesty – as written in the psalm text – are given full honor.
What could possibly follow this? Leonardo García-Alarcón would not be Leonardo García-Alarcón if he did not walk well-trodden paths, but instead provided a surprise. We hear the rarely performed "Messa a 5 concertata" by Giovanni Paolo Colonna (1637-1695). The 'Sinfonia avanti la Messa' sets you on the right track after the heaven-storming Händel. You are prepared for a different, at times more restrained work that possesses incredible grandeur in its own way.
The mass itself was composed in 1684 during the flourishing period of the Baroque in Bologna. Colonna was then master of the chapel at San Petronio. Five vocal parts are alternately combined with instruments. Sometimes they appear separately, sometimes in dialogue, as was customary then according to the then popular 'concertante' principle.
Once again, the performers prove themselves at their best. Everything is beautifully balanced and allows you to find wonderful peace after the tension in Händel.
This recording is an absolute recommendation. The CD booklet (English / French) contains an interesting interview with the conductor and gives you further insights into both works.
You hear on this CD a frequently performed work in an ideal performance and you get to know Colonna, another master of the Baroque, who can perfectly stand his ground alongside Händel. A CD to treasure, both for connoisseurs and for music lovers who like to discover unfamiliar repertoire…
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