wrote (March 7, 2008):
I realize that BWV 243 is not the topic of the month, but I do feel compelled to report my admiration for a just-received recording of the Magnificat, one directed by Emmanuelle Haim, leading Le Concert d'Astrée, with soloists Natalie Dessay, Karine Deshayes [how is that for a coincidence?], Philippe Jaroussky, Toby Spence, and Laurent Naouri.
I confess that I bought the disk out of curiosity after encountering it at a very bargain price on line. Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed this performance, actually have given it three hearings in less than ten days, most unusual for me. And, I felt even more justified in my judgment when I listened to the other piece on the disk, Handel's well-known Dixit Dominus, and found it rousing indeed --- as indeed it must be. It made my only other recording of that work sound rather routine, I must say.
So, my hat is off to Emmanuelle Haim and her troops, and to Virgin Classics for this most welcome addition to my, of course, distinguished collection. However, beauty is, as we all know, in the ear of the beholder, so I will look forward to reading any additional opinions that you all might sooner or later express.
