Reviews

Reviews: Dixit Dominus

22.05.2008

"Producing a fresh choral sound, devoid of any complexity, Peter Dijkstra yet again stepped into the limelight as an inspired conductor. [...] Peter Dijkstra conducted Bach and Handel in a manner which makes it worthwhile listening to music live. [...]
In particular the solo passages with soprano Heleen Koele were given wonderful flexibility in the melodic lines. That in this work of Handel’s the Nederlands Kamerkoor also combined a splendid fullness of sound with homogeneous rhythm was thanks to Dijkstra, who provided this performance with 24-carat brilliance, with the Adagio as the jewel in the crown.”

Jos Ruiters in the Alkmaarsche Courant of 21 May 2008

“[...] Apart from the abovementioned Adagio – a duet for two sopranos, accompanied by subtle strings, who seemed to be playing with bated breath, with a gentle contribution from the choir - Dijkstra whipped up the tempo, and then whipped it up some more. He formed his forces, vocal and instrumental, into a single instrument, which he could operate quick as a flash with his eyes, his hands and the rest of his body. 
With a quivering hand he suggested bouncing consonants, and he even enacted some brief passages. And then there were the rhythmical transitions, where by means of his gestures he called everyone to order. The Kamerkoor and the Holland Baroque Society became one. And that produced an effervescent, towards the end even a swirling Handel.
Bach’s motets ‘Singet dem Herrn’ and ‘Lobet den Herrn’ received the same energetic, taut treatment. The rhythm and the accents - both gentle and snappy – ruled supreme, but this too was more than merely technical precision. What was taking place here was that same amalgamation, in which it seemed as if Dijkstra was simply playing an instrument. Masterful.” [...]

Rudolf Nammensma in the Leeuwarder Courant of 22 May 2008