Search - Phillip Friedrich Boddecker, Various Composers, Melchior Schildt :: Out of the Orient Crystall Skyes

Flawless Singing Matched by Exquisite Musicianship

Karen Downing | Seattle, WA, USA | 12/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A crystal voice to sing the crystal skies...Nancy Zylstra's artistry and musicality are nobly matched by her vocal technique. The first note of the first track ("Natus est Jesus") is a textbook example of a *messa di voce* perfectly executed. Yet hers is a warm, real voice, not simply a hooty "boy soprano" sound that characterizes so many early music recordings. Always expressive, always tasteful, she makes this one of my favorite Christmas recordings. The selection of repertoire beautifully balances familiar tunes ("In dulci jubilo," "Coventry carol," "Es ist ein Ros,") with less-well-known works by Charpentier, Carissimi, and a wonderful cantata by Scarlatti. Her compatriots are no mean players either---she is ably accompanied by the flawless continuo playing of Margriet Tindemans, gamba, and Jillon Stoppels Dupree, harpsichord, as well as baroque strings and a viol consort for the larger works. This is a CD of international caliber that every soprano and every vocal-music lover should own."