Salzburg Music Festival '09 - Opening Concert, pt. 9

[redbrian3655]

I see it was Brandon Hynum-----amazing! Even the organist does not follow him well.

[StriderBLH]

@redbrian3655 Thanks for compliments: this is Brandon Hynum. I'm the one who posted these videos etc. Glad you enjoyed the aria, it's loads of fun, especially in the Dome! On behalf of the organist and the choir, most of them are volunteers, and did not have much time to learn the music. Especially with the music being hardly known (only one professional recording in existence), and English not being their first language etc, it's not a pushover.

[redbrian3655]

@StriderBLH I have watched the entire Salzburg post. Really enjoyable. In addition to the CD recording out ("Royal Ceremonial Music"), there is also a vinyl release on the NONESUCH label where the tenor hits a sustained high A at the end instead of the written D. IMO, Brandon exceeded both pro recordings. I tried to have a soprano sing this last year, but it was way too difficult,(and she is a top flight singer), so that makes me all the more appreciate the effort you posted. BRAVO!

[StriderBLH]

@redbrian3655 However, the real treat was the opportunity just to perform in this incredible cathedral. I take it you are a musician? What is your focus? If you would like to hear a more recent recording of me performing, would be happy to send you a link. What you watched was not long after just starting to pursue voice lessons etc.

[redbrian3655]

@StriderBLH Hi-- I have directed choirs for over 40 years, and the Handel Wedding Anthem is a real favorite. I know what extraordinary talent one must have to perform this. Brandon was so exceptional that everyone else paled to his performance. I own the only TWO recorded versions of this, so it was more than a treat to see this live . Acoustically, it sounds like a big 'Mush", but that does not take away my enjoyment of it. I direct volunteers, so I know the deal. This was exceptional.

[StriderBLH]

@redbrian3655 Where are you based currently? If I may ask.

[redbrian3655]

@StriderBLH Baltimore. I have a Church position with a congregation that wouldn't know Handel if they tripped over him! I still bring in soloists from the outside to sing and play, though, for my own sanity! LOL This is why YouTube is so great... I can see and hear what others do seeing that I am committed to a local Church.

[redbrian3655]

I see it was Brandon Hynum-----amazing!

[redbrian3655]

This is an amazing tenor, way more talented than the choir that backed him. Do you know his name? Thank you.