Handel's Messiah by The Bristol Ensemble at St George's
Posted on: 2015-12-18
Our rating:
An epic work given an epic recital then: rich, gutsy, musically delicious and ravishingly evocative enough to give you goosebumps, and expertly performed by the entire ensemble. Sensational.
Handel's grand and glorious Messiah has become just as much a Christmas staple as tinsel, turkey and overcooked sprouts - and the Bristol Ensemble and The Choir of Royal Holloway gave it a truly unforgettable rendition at St George's in Bristol on Wednesday 16th December 2015.
Divided into three parts, Handel's oratorio masterwork was composed in 1741 using text extracted from the King James Bible. First performed in Dublin in 1742 then in London a year later, it was initially given a mediocre reception. Over the years, however, it has become recognised as, not only one of Handel's most phenomenally beautiful pieces, but as one of the most frequently performed choral works in the concert hall repertoire.
Under the faultless direction of conductor Rupert Gough and leader Roger Huckle, the staging of this towering monument to musical magnificence was given a twist in that the choir and soloists were positioned around the hall. Not only did this break away from the shackles of traditional staging, it also gave the whole piece an extra, vibrant acoustic dynamic which genuinely enhanced the work. It allowed the choir and the virtuosity of the soloists a real chance to shine, resulting in a performance that was bristling with energy and raw musical power.
So rousing was the triumphant and oft-performed Hallelujah Chorus that it compelled everyone to immediately stand up while the choir belted out their collective hearts, a tradition which has followed on since King George II allegedly rose to his feet because he was so moved when he originally heard it.
This was a stunningly fresh and passionate interpretation of the work, sweeping and soaring, ebbing and flowing, from the most delicate and nuanced moments to the more feverish, thundering sections. Handel's Messiah is an aural powerhouse and a piece which indubitably wrings every emotion out of the human heart and soul - joyous, melancholy, heroic, contemplative, intense, exultant, sorrowful, intimate and ebullient.
An epic work given an epic recital then: rich, gutsy, musically delicious and ravishingly evocative enough to give you goosebumps, and expertly performed by the entire ensemble. Sensational.
5/5
Reviewed by Jamie Caddick
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
