Conductor Michel Piquemal opts for the rarely recorded original version of Honegger’s “symphonic psalm,” which calls for a small ensemble of piano, winds, brass, and percussion. This works well given the quality of the performance, which is “amateurish” in the best sense, meaning that what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in enthusiasm. Actually, the piece itself is not difficult to perform: there’s lots of narration after all, and most of the musical numbers are quite short and simple in construction. Christine Fersen intones an effective Witch of Endor, and the other soloists are adequate to the generally modest demands made on them. The single exception is tenor Gilles Ragon, whose wobbly crooning hardly suits the proud author of the Psalms. Nevertheless, with Serge Baudo’s recording of Honegger’s expanded version of the work (for Supraphon) currently unavailable, Abravanel’s similarly first rate Utah recording often difficult to find (Vanguard), and with an excellent booklet including full texts and translations, this disc offers an inexpensive, enjoyable look at the work that put its composer on the musical map. The sonics are also aptly atmospheric.
