Reviews

The Scotsman

Israel in Egypt at the Edinburgh International Festival (5 Sep 2009)

The Monteverdi Choir with the English Baroque Soloists


Usher Hall, Edinburgh
*****

Conductor John Eliot Gardiner deployed the forces of the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir like a supreme military strategist, moving them around the stage during the performances to present this glorious music in the best possible light.

The opening vocal concerto Es erhub sich ein Streit im Himmel ("And There Was War in Heaven") written for St Michael's Day by Johann Christoph Bach, a cousin of JS Bach's father, was a dazzling portrayal of this celestial battle with blazing trumpets and pounding timpani. This theatricality clearly rubbed off on the young JS Bach as his three cantatas for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels are equally thrilling especially the trumpet solos played with astonishing accuracy and panache. The heavenly conflict in Es erhub sich ein Streit ("There Arose a Feud") also included a breathtaking orchestral introduction and lilting tenor solo.

There was further scope for drama in Part I: Exodus of Handel's oratorio Israel in Egypt complete with jumping frogs and buzzing flies. The soloists were superb and, with an orchestra at the top of their game, this made for a fabulous evening of early music.

SUSAN NICKALLS

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