Hallelujah! Renowned and revered, George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, fills Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to provide a sumptuous evening of music. Led by eminent German maestro Clemens Schuldt, this rousing aural experience is not to be missed.
First performed in 1742, Messiah has become one of Handel’s most successful works. Fusing the traditions of Italian Opera, German Passion and English Anthem, it has both a geographical and timeless appeal that often cuts to the core of audiences, and this performance is no different.
Featuring four of the finest singers in Europe on the solos – Dorothee Mields (soprano), Anna Stéphany (mezzo-soprano), Caspar Singh (tenor) and Benjamin Appl (baritone) – the marriage between musicians, choristers and soloists is truly harmonic.
Messiah was written as a pious meditation on Christ’s life. With no clear narrative structure, the storytelling comes through a journey of sung scriptural writings. The audience is taken from the first prophecies of the birth of Jesus, through to the shepherds on the hill with a parallel of Jesus being a shepherd to mankind and onward to the Passion, resurrection and ascension.
Following the orchestral intro, tenor Caspar Singh opens the work of the soloists with Comfort Ye and Every Valley. Demonstrating a strong command of the music and good vocal technique, he captivates the audience with the roundness of his tone. His style complements that of baritone, Benjamin Appl, who provides an expressive interpretation of the text and showcases a range of vocal colours. Expertly navigating ‘Why do the Nations’ he is both a great singer to hear and clearly carries charisma on stage.
Striving for emotive intensity, Soprano Dorothee Mields radiates a delicate warmth in her voice to effectively convey the moods of the music. Hers is a sweetly pitched tone and one which gives several enchanting solos that hold the whole auditorium in her hand at some points, particularly during ‘How beautiful are the feet’ and ‘I know my redeemer liveth’. She is complemented by mezzo-soprano Anna Stéphany, who carries her vocals elegantly and with a stage presence that is both subdued yet commanding. Her interpretation of ‘He was Despised’ is delivered with empathy and compassion.
Giving a visual echo to the passion of the music is conductor Clemens Schuldt. He injects his own unique fervour into the arrangement to both move and inspire, with wild gesticulations and a smile. It is mesmerising to watch someone enjoy their role with such delight!
As well as being a wonderful evening of music, Messiah is a majestic yet joyful expression of faith.
Personally, I found the standout to be the choir. Faultless throughout, the sound they produce in what is a demanding piece to perform is ecstasy. Vocally layered upon each one another, the timing is incredible and the energy from them doesn’t waver. It is more than just a performance – when watching, Christian or not, you feel the experience of rejoicing. The power of their voices is moving and nothing short of divine. If you have not heard the Hallelujah chorus from this choir, I recommend you do.
For future productions and performances, view Liverpool Philharmonic’s website https://www.liverpoolphil.com/
Reviewer: Ezzy LaBelle
Reviewed: 7th January 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★