Search - Honegger, Pierre, Dutoit :: Le Roi David

Dutoit does it again-with Honeggers original orchestration

C. R. S. | Cerritos, CA | 11/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is King David as originally heard. There are no strings except for the string bass, and piano is used instead of harp. Rene' Morax (the producer) allowed Honneger the use of only 14 instruments to accompany a 100 voice choir. Honeggers orchestra is much like a little jazz band; in fact some of the more spirited music is a little jazzy. Other pieces recall J.S.Bach, but all is assimilated into the composers versatile style.This performance is sonically excellent, vocally exciting; but the narrator seems too bombastic, drowning out much of Honeggers magnificent score. (Maybe it's because I don't parle vous Francaise!) All in all, a remarkable recording. If you think sacred choral music is pablum, try this."