superb..perfectly pitched..the understated singing has given the gentle instrumental rythm space to breath. No dramatic vocal tricks are neccessary. A sublime duet.
Arguably the best version of this unique, subtle and pure gem, yet there are other fine ones, too. Tears flow, time stands still, all is beauty and love...
I think that this performance is how the gentleman G F Handle would have wished this to be heard. All too many of his works are played in a rather course and bombastic manner and this which has taken a day of my life to digest is gentle and subtle, no voice or part of the orchestra fights the other. Perfect.
Sadly, I find this recording sorely lacking in any emotional understanding. The orchestra is so sluggish I want to push them!
I'd personally prefer Ian Bostridge's recording with Harry Bicket and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, where the recording's about the MUSIC and TEXT, not about "isn't my voice beautiful?"
I just don't agree with this! I think this is amazingly understated singing that allows the lines of music to come through. Overall, I think Padmore and Crowe are better matched voices, creating sublime harmonies. This is not to say that I do not think Bostridge and Royal are brilliant too - but I would fight tooth and nail for this recording.
Well, thank heavens we don't all agree! Really, if you enjoy it, go for it. Yes, Padmore and Crowe are well matched. But if it's so understated, as you say - well, are all the pieces on this album understated? Are they SUPPOSED to be? I'm saying that I feel that what they're doing is of course beautiful, but it does not necessarily reflect the intention of music and text that is so important in Handel.
I'm glad we agree that there's more than one interpretation! It's probably the background of my Handel listening that makes me plump for this! I like singers like Emma Kirkby and Catherine Bott - they did a great 'Rival Queens' album - and Andreas Scholl and Sandrine Piau. However, do you know Renee Fleming's Handel album? I love it - Endless Pleasure is on Youtube (but a bit enlived for concert).
Keep in context joie952, that the public display of pushing back in Handels day would have been considered boorish and unrefined. And if there is singing..why shouldn't the voice be beautiful? The voice is the ULTIMATE instrument..and well, I can't imagine an Emotional understanding interpretation by" Madonnna" adding any charm to this no matter how much Emphasis is on the MUSIC and TEXT. however she would fulfill the anti-beautiful voice part you would prefer in this..PUSHY TOO!
I've nothing against beauitful voices. But expressing the intention of the text should not be overlooked. It's not an either or situation - a beautiful voice can express the text very well, and that's my personal optional performance. I'd never suggest Madonna sing Handel - where on earth did you get that idea? I'm simply expressing my opinion about the nature of vocal music and the text. If you'll read my other posts, perhaps you'll understand that.
superb..perfectly pitched..the understated singing has given the gentle instrumental rythm space to breath. No dramatic vocal tricks are neccessary. A sublime duet.
hatshepsutuk 4 months ago
Arguably the best version of this unique, subtle and pure gem, yet there are other fine ones, too. Tears flow, time stands still, all is beauty and love...
ImperXVIII 8 months ago
Just sublime!
rickymacman 1 year ago
Perfect.
lancel00tti 2 years ago
Love this version - the best track on Padmore's album. Beautifully restrained, and Padmore and Crowe's voices are well-matched! Thanks!
mariandelochs 2 years ago
Last saturday at Wigmore Hall London. (28/11)
Beautifull performance of Purcell & Haendel by Mark Padmore.
Absolutely fabulous!
dutchgrandeast 2 years ago
There is absolutely no argument this is the finest version. It is sublime
Faircrowd1 2 years ago
Music for the gods... Sublime, thanks for posting!
ClassicalMango 2 years ago
padmore/crowe vs. bostridge/royal... who really cares?
get over yourselves and just thank God for the beautiful music.
theamateurear 3 years ago 13
I think that this performance is how the gentleman G F Handle would have wished this to be heard. All too many of his works are played in a rather course and bombastic manner and this which has taken a day of my life to digest is gentle and subtle, no voice or part of the orchestra fights the other. Perfect.
SimonJamesLucas 4 years ago 7
Sadly, I find this recording sorely lacking in any emotional understanding. The orchestra is so sluggish I want to push them!
I'd personally prefer Ian Bostridge's recording with Harry Bicket and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, where the recording's about the MUSIC and TEXT, not about "isn't my voice beautiful?"
joie952 4 years ago
I just don't agree with this! I think this is amazingly understated singing that allows the lines of music to come through. Overall, I think Padmore and Crowe are better matched voices, creating sublime harmonies. This is not to say that I do not think Bostridge and Royal are brilliant too - but I would fight tooth and nail for this recording.
eucalyptuspauciflora 4 years ago
Well, thank heavens we don't all agree! Really, if you enjoy it, go for it. Yes, Padmore and Crowe are well matched. But if it's so understated, as you say - well, are all the pieces on this album understated? Are they SUPPOSED to be? I'm saying that I feel that what they're doing is of course beautiful, but it does not necessarily reflect the intention of music and text that is so important in Handel.
To my ears it just all sounds too "even."
joie952 4 years ago 2
I'm glad we agree that there's more than one interpretation! It's probably the background of my Handel listening that makes me plump for this! I like singers like Emma Kirkby and Catherine Bott - they did a great 'Rival Queens' album - and Andreas Scholl and Sandrine Piau. However, do you know Renee Fleming's Handel album? I love it - Endless Pleasure is on Youtube (but a bit enlived for concert).
eucalyptuspauciflora 4 years ago
Keep in context joie952, that the public display of pushing back in Handels day would have been considered boorish and unrefined. And if there is singing..why shouldn't the voice be beautiful? The voice is the ULTIMATE instrument..and well, I can't imagine an Emotional understanding interpretation by" Madonnna" adding any charm to this no matter how much Emphasis is on the MUSIC and TEXT. however she would fulfill the anti-beautiful voice part you would prefer in this..PUSHY TOO!
komodiakarma 3 years ago
I've nothing against beauitful voices. But expressing the intention of the text should not be overlooked. It's not an either or situation - a beautiful voice can express the text very well, and that's my personal optional performance. I'd never suggest Madonna sing Handel - where on earth did you get that idea? I'm simply expressing my opinion about the nature of vocal music and the text. If you'll read my other posts, perhaps you'll understand that.
joie952 3 years ago 2
One of Mr Handel's very best arias, without a doubt. The emotion is sustained throughout the six and a half minutes.
CSConcept 4 years ago 2
I heard this performance by Sumi Jo a few months back and bought it on Itunes by Padmore. Good to see this video today! Amazing.
escaelis 4 years ago