Music

Messiah

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Miranda Heggie

four stars

STARTING the new year in their usual tradition, the RSNO and chorus, together with an exceptional quartet of soloists gave another sterling performance of Handel's Messiah. Conducted from the harpsichord by historical performance expert Laurence Cummings, the opening bars were rich and solemn, though a greater hint of the drama about to unfold would have been welcome in the overture.

Tenor Joshua Ellicott's opening recitative Comfort Ye my people was bright and crisp, his crystal clear annunciation putting across the story against a backdrop of sumptuous strings. Baritone Peter Harvey sang with equally perfect diction, giving an expressive and assertive performance.

Evidently knowing the music intimately, the chorus were, for the most part, strong and clear, especially in the alto section. At times though the balance between chorus and orchestra was weighted a bit too much towards the latter.

Part one took a little while to really get off the ground, but once it did, the penultimate chorus passage was full of jubilance, trumpets pealing over the orchestra from the balcony. Soprano Elizabeth Atherton's duet with countertenor Robin Blaze He shall feed his flock was beautifully soothing, with a perfect match of voices.

Parts two and three were from the outset wholly more exciting, the orchestra playing with a driven sense of momentum. Blaze's aria He was despised was sombre and measured, while Harvey kept up his compelling sense of drama in his recitatives. The final third section of the oratorio was where it really sparkled. Atherton's rendition of I know that my redeemer liveth was moving and dignified, and guest leader Artiom Shishkov's ornamentation during her final aria was truly exquisite, while the final chorus brought the work to a rousing, triumphant finale.