Interesting - the only place in this intricate work where the dodgy alto intonation is tuly exposed is at 2:45 where the choir sings a plain major triad. Alto's are sharp. And have nowhere to hide :-(
A technically sound performance, but the voice is not in its prime any more. The Ruth Holton / Gardiner rendition is phenomenal - minimal vibrato (but not 'hooting') and excellent clarity of sound.
Cambridge version definitely better: superior blending and pitch (but definitely helped by the 'wet' acoustics). In this choir there are soprano 1 voices that stand out and the sound becomes strained when tessitura is high.
Interesting - the only place in this intricate work where the dodgy alto intonation is tuly exposed is at 2:45 where the choir sings a plain major triad. Alto's are sharp. And have nowhere to hide :-(