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'There have been many fine recordings of this work … but this is the equal of anything I have heard. Lead by tenor Ian Bostridge as the Evangelist, and Neal Davies as Christ, this is a rivetingly taut and dramatic performance, beautifully recorded'
Reviewed in The Dominion Post, New Zealand
A very welcome new recording … Stephen Layton presents an intelligently perceptive performance, beautifully sung by a fine team of soloists … This recorded version comes finely honed, a deep familiarity with the score not causing any hint of routine but showing itself in an easy fluency as it passes from devotional strength though the depths of pathos and anguish to high drama, the immediate...
Good conductors will tell a choir that the words are just as important as the music; there's no point in singing if you can't be understood. Stephen Layton has drilled his singers to perfection in this trio of Handel's Chandos Anthems, making every word distinct and every crisp consonant a taut springboard on which to propel Handel's irresistible rhythm, aided by some wonderfully tight playing...
I suggested that the first installment in this series "could be a landmark recording". Now, four years later, Hyperion has seen fit to issue the second volume - though they are not calling it that - of Handel's sumptuous Chandos Anthems. Trinity College Choir returns, as does Iestyn Davies with the commanding Stephen Layton at the helm, but the Academy of Ancient Music who graced the first album...
Virtuoso Display by Choir of Trinity College Cambridge
Less than fourteen hours after taking part in fine performances of Poulenc and Fauré in, Gloucester Cathedral (Review), Stephen Layton and his Cambridge choir were back in action but this time they had the stage to themselves.
Cheltenham College Chapel is a substantial Victorian building. All the seating is arranged choir stall-style, facing...
Virtuoso Display by Choir of Trinity College Cambridge
Less than fourteen hours after taking part in fine performances of Poulenc and Fauré in, Gloucester Cathedral (Review), Stephen Layton and his Cambridge choir were back in action but this time they had the stage to themselves.
Cheltenham College Chapel is a substantial Victorian building. All the seating is arranged choir stall-style, facing...