Search - Nikolaus Harnoncourt: An Advent Concert of Music by Bach on DVD

Transcendant Beauty

Ann Athema | Connecticut | 06/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is one I play all year round, not just at Advent: but particularly during that time, when meditation and comtemplation of the ever-renewed miracle of Christmas should be on one's mind, this music and these performers will help keep the commercial clamor at bay. The selection of Bach's specifically seasonal music, including the Magnificat, is wonderfully balanced. Harnoncourt's commitment to this music is informed by his spirituality as much as by his artistic genius. The Schoeberg Choir and the Concentus Musicus Wien are consistently exellent, and the soloists are sublime. Ian Bostridge's ethereal tenor, Christine Schäfer's pure soprano--both sound as I imagine angels sound, and the other soloists are splendid as well. There is a serenity in the faces of the singers, especially in Schäfer's, as this music pours out of them, that will gently communicate itself to you. Transcendant, beautfiul. A treasure."

Wow!

Robert Young | West Bloomfield, MI | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this DVD by accident because I was looking for another recording by Christine Schafer. Her Gilda along with a great cast (except for Alvarez) show Verdi at his most visceral. My favorite Rigoletto in spite of the tenor.

Back to Bach; I cannot agree more with the previous reviewers nor can I add any more superlatives. Watching Harnoncourt is really a joy along with the soloists, chorus, and a terrific group of musicians.

I do have one area of complaint however. I have no idea who was responsible for the packaging but to include only a list of the cuts/titles is idiocy. Nothing on the singers, the Concentus Musicus Vienna or their fantastic instruments is included. I would love to blame Kultur because they have put out garbage on a regular basis but as I stated, I don't have any way of knowing who made the decision to stick it to the buyer once again. Fortunately, the disk quality is outstanding.

"

Wonderful

George Goldberg | Tucson, AZ United States | 04/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The combination of magnificent music, marvelous performers, and images of the Kloster Melk Benedictine monastery in Austria (tours are available and very popular) is quite simply wonderful. I cannot recommend this video too highly."