| Review by Jon Benger April 4, 2014 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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I have listened to this recording several times in multichannel. It is beautifully recorded, and up there with some of the best SA-CD sound I have heard - there is pinpoint accuracy across the whole frequency range and in my mind a perfect balance between soloist, orchestra and chorus, helped by a realistic three-dimensional presentation. I have a minor gripe that the split between discs 1 and 2 interrupts the drum roll which flows into "Thy judgement is near", which is rather a special moment in my opinion. I'm not sure if there's a solution to this given that both discs are full once the symphony is added in.
I find the performance of the oratorio satisfactory overall, but surprisingly rather more "English" than I expected in that there is some reserve in the presentation of the drama, whereas I am used to performances in the full-on late romantic European tradition. The high points for me are those areas which require a subtle and measured approach to evoke atmosphere, for example at the beginning of part 2, and in the build up of tension at the beginning of "Praise to the Holiest". However the moments of high drama (for example the Demons' Chorus) seem somewhat polite and held back. The ensemble and intonation are excellent, and the chorus articulate the English text with great clarity. Overall, my relatively minor interpretative misgivings are outweighed by the sheer listening pleasure and many moments of great beauty.
The symphony is performed sensitively, although the adagio moves at a slightly brisker pace than many other performances; this needn't be a problem but it does feel a bit breathless at times. It's still a performance I'll be happy to listen to many times.
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