| Review by guaglione November 28, 2009 (8 of 8 found this review helpful)
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| Even though this is a work written by a young Saint Saens (he was barely 23 when he composed it), the Oratorio is wonderful and a great example of the exquisite taste and inspiration of the composer. Furthermore, the performance of the Vocalensemble Rastatt and Les Favorites under the direction of Holger Speck is unequalled. Particularly amazing is the voice and performance of Antonia Bourvé, an extraordinary soprano. From the beginning, the prelude involves you in a special atmosphere and when you arrive to track 7, Tecum principium, the work reachs its climax of beauty. This track is anthologic. I was so enthusiastic and impressed with the piece that I bought the other SACD version available by Jörg-Hannes Hahn in Cantate (C58022, coupled with the Messe op.4). However, the Speck version on Carus is in my opinion definitive because of the soloists and the harp performance. The record is completed with 6 pieces of religious music that are a nice complement representing sacral music of Saint Saens. I listened it in multichannel (5.1) and the recording is very good. Strongly recommended.
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