Search - Mendelssohn, Donath, Masur :: Elias

Vigorous Performance, So-so Recording

Timothy Dougal | Madison, Wi United States | 12/30/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is one lively 'Elias' conducted by Kurt Masur, possibly the speed record holder for this great oratorio, coming in at 110 minutes, which is 20-30 minutes shorter than most performances. What it loses in emotional impact, it gains somewhat in coherence. Alistair Miles, a bass, is a fine Elijah, and doesn't strain to hit the low notes. The other soloists and MDR Leipzig Choir are very good too. Masur's interpretation is on the routine side. The performance is in German, and a libretto is enclosed. The main thing keeping this from being a great CD is the recording job. It was done live in Tel Aviv from a series of concerts, and it is not very resonant or spacious. Additionally, there is more noise from the audience and performers than there ought to be in a disc that retails for over $30. Rustling, the occasional cough, and some huffing and puffing are all things I have sadly learned to expect from Teldec. Too bad they didn't do better."