Scholl/Vivaldi Decca

David Vernier

Artistic Quality:

Sound Quality:

So here he is again, the world’s best countertenor in another display of uncommon vocal virtuosity. But the difference between Andreas Scholl’s singing and that of many of today’s solo performers is that the virtuosity is just a natural means of expression. Scholl’s vocalism seems so pure and unforced that you don’t notice the technique, but rather feel as if you’re hearing the music in its ideal incarnation, the way it was meant to be heard. Of course there are other interpretations and voices capable of perfectly fine renditions, but when you hear Scholl, none of the others matter so much. I have the advantage of having heard Scholl perform the Vivaldi Nisi Dominus live this past spring at the Dresden Music Festival, with the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, so my evaluation of the performance on this recording is measured against my remembrance of that concert. Considering the fact that Scholl literally stunned his Dresden audience, and understanding the considerable benefits of a live concert experience, his work on this recording comes close to capturing the comprehensiveness of his artistry. Be prepared for some really fine expressive effects and some of the most gorgeous sounds a voice–any voice–can make.

Scholl’s only problem here is that, other than the magnificent Nisi Dominus and some isolated movements from the other works–the first movement of the motet Vestro Principi divino and the last of the Salve Regina–he’s not working with some of the best material ever written. However, if anyone can “sell” a song or an aria or a sacred Baroque work for solo voice, it’s Scholl, and he does a pretty fine job of that here. I must say that the Freiburg orchestra played rings around this very adequate and competent Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, who also add a couple of entertaining if fairly routine Vivaldi concertos to this program. In all, this is an essential disc for Scholl fans–and for those who want to experience some of the best singing anywhere. The whole production suffers somewhat from sound that wants to break out of its restrictive space.


Recording Details:

Reference Recording: this one

ANTONIO VIVALDI - Nisi Dominus RV 608; Clarae stellae, scintillate RV 625; Vestro Principi divino RV 633; Salve Regina RV 616; Concerto for strings in F RV 141; Concerto for strings in C RV 109

  • Record Label: Decca - 466 964-2
  • Medium: CD

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