If an album of German opera choruses sounds like a stodgy affair to you, think again. The Leipzig Radio Chorus’ stirringly performed collection of choral numbers from 19th-century operas (Mozart’s “Chorus of the Priests” from the Magic Flute being the one exception) makes for an hour of sheer listening delight. After a rousing start with the “Huntsmen’s Chorus” from Weber’s Der Freischütz (which is about as echt-German as you can get), the program continues with Nicolai’s “Moon Chorus” from The Merry Wives of Windsor, the aforementioned Mozart, and the “Prisoner’s Chorus” from Beethoven’s Fidelio.
The remainder of the disc is devoted to Wagner, beginning with the Flying Dutchman’s “Spinning Chorus” and “Sailors’ Chorus” (a real “heigh-ho” piece if ever there were one), followed by a stirring rendition of the “Awake” chorus from Die Meistersinger. From Tannhäuser comes the “Entry of the Guests”, as well as the “Pilgrims’ Chorus”, where the Leipzig men produce a robustly radiant sound that builds to a tremendous climax. The famous “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin is next, followed by a beautiful rendition of “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral”. The disc closes with an extended sequence from Parsifal comprising the “Grail Chorus”, with the Dresdner Kapellknaben joining the Leipzig forces.
Silvio Varviso’s spirited conducting maintains the dramatic context surrounding each extract, while the Staatskapelle Dresden offers a richly sonorous and handsomely executed orchestral accompaniment. Philips’ wide and deep soundstage captures the full dynamic range of the assembled performers with impressive clarity and realism. An excellent choral disc, and one that should not be missed–especially at Eloquence’s bargain price.
