Reviews
Reviews: Grieg
15.02.2008“Each musical setting more beautiful than the last, with the Nederlands Kamerkoor arranged so that its male and female voices formed a well thought-out jumble. Partly due to this the harmonic structures were a feast for the ears.”
[...]
“What a stark and sometimes unpleasant contrast the other works on the programme formed. Firstly the stirring and hysterical Nuits, a work by Xenakis made up solely of syllables. Bloodcurdlingly screaming sopranos and vaguely blustering basses unambiguously lay bare Xenakis’ musical intentions.
Which made the seamless transition to Messiaen’s solemn O sacrum convivium! fairly incomprehensible. This spiritually exalted choral work created a peaceful and mystical atmosphere. A greater contrast with Xenakis one couldn’t imagine.”
Jos Ruiters, Haarlems Dagblad, 15 January 2008 (about the concert in Alkmaar, 13 January)
“Grieg’s compatriot Grete Pedersen conducts two of the Four Psalms op. 74 as an appetizer and two as dessert.
This musical framework tastes excellent. Grieg based his tetratych on old folk tunes which lend the whole a gripping directness.”
[...]
“With feeling for musical dramaturgy, Pedersen allows this auditive torture [Xenakis, ed.] to lead seamlessly into the following piece, Messiaen’s serene motet O sacrum convivium! A masterful move, since the comforting sounds of the motet act as balm for the soul.”
[...]
“Pedersen makes an excellent impression in her debut with the Nederlands Kamerkoor. Under her direction the choir sounds homogeneous, fresh and well-balanced. Furthermore, in an unaffected manner she manages to achieve a high degree of expressivity. May she make a speedy return.’ And that she certainly will!”
Michel Khalifa in het Parool, 16 January 2008 (about the concert in Zwolle, 15 January
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