The album is a part of the Ars Perfecta series, where conductor Van Reyn delves into early music with the Radiokoor and the ensemble Il Gardellino. The expertise is part of our DNA, and resonates clearly in this recording. AVRO TROS agrees strongly:
"One definitely wants to hear this."
Handel was only 22 years old when he arrived in Rome in 1707, and his arrival did not go unnoticed. He made a profound impression with a series of Vespers, including his Dixit Dominus. Some consider this piece to be the best he ever delivered. It's a moving work with exceptional vitality, and with exquisite moments of serenity. The music reflects the characteristics of Italian Baroque music that he absorbed firsthand during his early years. This is where the composer crafted his unique style, which would define his work for decades to come: brilliant harmonies, vocal virtuosity, expansive structures, and a driving energy…
Van Reyn seizes the nuances of composition and makes striking choices: "Notably, he opts for brisk tempos, which Handel's music truly demands, and with such exceptional performers, the results are completely convincing."
Amen.