Andreas Scholl, Handel: Oh Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless

[tvitek64]

Whose version, Scholl's or Esswood's is wholly a matter of taste, since Scholl sings with a far straighter tone than Esswood. What you cannot take away from Eswood is that he was the first truly great countertenor, with only middling predecessors on whose achievements to build. When you consider that Esswood was singing in the early 70s, he is nothing short of amazing (compare his sound to that of Rene Jacobs, the star countertenor who followed Esswood in the 80s). Scholl is a 2000's singer.

[xeasternxz]

Superb, thank you.

[serenaluce]

@fourmi1060 I agree. Restrained and beautiful! Clear etheareal tone! Bravo! I still prefer both Paul Esswood's versions!

[AgamemnonAtreides]

On comparison with Esswood (particularly the first video) it seems to me that Scholl has a very accurate attack with pure sound; with Esswood once can revel in his voluptuous texture. Far be it from me that I should decide who is better!

[sfkcbf]

Both countertenors are great, yet each person's vocal attributes lend themselves to particular works. Scholl's focus and purity is essential in his astonishing performance of Mozart's Mitridate (uploaded on my channel), Esswood's rich voice to this oratorio air. I also enjoy Esswood's experimentation with Baroque-style, vocal ornamentations, whereas Scholl is more reserved.

[radubradu]

i detect a certain gay theme throughout the images except the first two? or am i missing something?

[sfkcbf]

After my having studied music and art for many years, I came to realize very late that many Baroque and Neo-Classical paintings and sculpture were rather homoerotic. Apparently, youthful male beauty (the "ephebe") has been highly regarded far longer than most of us realized, even with so-called religious themes, far beyond the classic Greek era, ironically contrasting with a common perception today that such beliefs were an anomoly of acncient times.

[fimetic]

@sfkcbf "The hours of folly are measured by the clock, but of wisdom no clock can measure" :))

[nuron748]

I saw Andreas in San Francisco eating at Cheesecake Factory! beat that! haha

[viechbaderin]

He was sitting next to me drinking a Coke in Grafenegg..HAHAHAHAHAHA.Beat THAT!!!! :-)

[MiraclesAreConstant]

was he uncomfortable sitting next to you?hahaha..kidding! ok you win!

[shazzer1976]

This is my absolute favourite! I still wish I could put into words what it is I love so much about it. The text? The music? Its hypnotic quality. It is so reassuring to listen to as well as slightly hypnotic. Gorgeous...

[sfkcbf]

To be honest before the concert, I wondered (after my having heard so many Scholl CDs & DVDs) whether I had exaggerated my estimation of his voice. On the contrary, his live voice is even more beautiful that the colder, digital recordings. I could tell how hard he was working to master and control each and every note to make them beautiful, yet he seemed truly to enjoy singing for us. I wonder if full-voiced singers realize how much more difficult countertenor singing is.

[RussianDivas]

I saw Andreas sing this live last night at Carnegie Hall. By the end of this piece, tears were flowing down my face. Simply divine!

[sfkcbf]

Yes, I heard him sing this (along with 5 other handel works) on April 30. Surprisingly to me, a number of "sophisticated concert-goers" said they did not know what a countertenor was and never had heard one. Were THEY astonished! Paul Esswood's recording is wonderful, too.

[RussianDivas]

Ooooh, glad you had the chance to hear this same concert - April 30th was Denver, yes? How was it?

I tried to explain to some people I work what kind of singer/concert I was going to hear this weekend and people were surprised to hear about the countertenor voice - just think what they are missing!

[eduardoromera]

Ambos de referencia.

[Eudora74]

I prefer Esswood, Scholl is wonderful too, but for me Esswood...

[firebreathone2]

Exquisite

[debartzen]

Esswood y Sholl,ambos insuperables.Sería injusto decantarse por cualquiera de ellos.

Esta es una bella aria..,y.

[enfava]

Outstanding!!!!

An exquisite charming.

[Slytheringrrl2]

There are no words. Such a beautiful voice...a blessing from God.

[frankart1927]

The piece is superb, as is Scholl, but for me Pau.l Esswood is the best

[sweebadadeebada]

Beautiful voice. I love the artwork.

[brychar66]

Such passion and compelling com-passion. The roundness and mellow quality of the voice are supreme. Comparisons are odious I know, but I would prefer Andreas for the very human quality of his voice and the passion I have already noted. I think it would not be too silly to say that he has a 'sexy' voice and it is this that I like in him so much. A joy to hear him singing an English text. And enjoyable to hear them both.

[essenciademusica]

divine!

[devampa]

Although both these interpretations are excellent. For me, the Paul Esswood version has the edge, as he has a more haunting quality to his voice.

[sfkcbf]

I agree: his voice is perfect for this oratorio air. Also, his interpretation gives a more clear example of Baroque style of adding ornamentation in repeat sections of arias and airs.

[theatom2000]

Wow, rewarding this piece with this voice. I love Andreas. Very good rendition. Thank's for this moment.

[jnajy]

Very soothing