Reviews

Reviews: Pärt and Schubert

31.03.2009

[...] “Firstly the limitless steppe of Pärt’s Te Deum manifested itself. A small group of female ‘precentors’ on the left, a mixed choir in the middle and a group of men on the right – this is how the Nederlands Kamerkoor’s vocal journey began. The basses took the first tentative steps against a background of mysterious sounds on tape (operated by the timpanist), with the strings of the Amsterdam Sinfonietta following in their footsteps, immediately providing the words and thoughts with instrumental commentary.”
[...] “Particularly the ladies on the left, with the beautiful voice of soprano soloist Helena van Heel in their midst, interpreted their role with great passion.
With the 24 members of the Kamerkoor now in traditional formation, and with the subtle brass section added to the orchestra, we switched to Schubert’s Mass No.6 in E-flat major. The transition from Pärt seemed to cause Christoph Poppen not the slightest problem with conducting this Romantic repertoire. With great enthusiasm he created an elegant sound picture. A musical feast enjoyed by both the Kamerkoor and the audience. The solo quintet sang with great freedom. The concert, however sharp its contrasts, was a treat for the ears.”

Jeanine Kramer in the Leeuwarder Courant, 5 March 2009

About Pärt: “Yesterday evening the Amsterdam Sinfonietta fulfilled its role of accompanying orchestra splendidly. [...] With the members of the Nederlands Kamerkoor, conducted by Christoph Poppen, the vocal element was in good hands. As we are accustomed to with this choir. There were many serene-sounding passages which were in themselves very special. And the occasional more vehement moments were magnificent. What beauty of sound!”
[...] About Schubert: “The work was enthralling due to the highly polished performance. The many dynamic nuances, from extremely soft to very loud, were delivered, often in quick succession, with the utmost beauty. The quality of the performance seemed at times to surpass that of the work itself. The solo passages were performed excellently by members of the choir.” [...]

Gerben Bergstra in the Friesch Dagblad, 5 March 2009