Search - Frank [1] Martin, Michel Corboz, Lausanne Sinfonietta :: Martin: Golgotha

A Great 20th Century Passion, a Fine, Committed Performance

Nicholas A. Deutsch | New York, NY USA | 06/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's wonderful that Golgotha, one of Frank Martin's greatest large-scale works, is finally in the CD catalogue, & in multiple versions. The composer-supervised one, recorded in 1968, can be found on Erato Ultima 3984-24237; with its uniformly strong group of soloists & the dynamic conducting of Robert Faller, it set a high standard. Unfortunately, Erato provides neither text nor translation; here, Cascavelle provides both. Conductor Michel Corboz was the chorus master on the 1968 version (recorded, like this new one, at Lausanne Cathedral); on the basis of his work there, Martin entrusted him with the premiere of what was to be his last work, the beautiful cantata Et la vie l'emporta (Cascavelle VEL 1014, with a fine version of the oratorio In Terra Pax). The great strength of Corboz's Golgotha is the way he makes the entire piece seem like one huge meditation on the profound events being related. While this means some sacrifice of theatrical excitement, there is a cumulative sense of deeper movement that is very persuasive; the final chorus, in particular, captures the mystery (in all senses) of the "night brighter than day," the night of the Resurrection. Of the soloists, the soprano & bass are outstanding; in keeping with the temper of Corboz's conducting, Marcos Fink's Jesus projects dignity & grandeur, but falls short at times of the requisite fire (& his French is uneven). Choir & orchestra are excellent. Despite a few shortcomings, this is an accomplished performance that carries great conviction. Do not miss this profoundly moving work!"