A performance of Haydn's masterwork(for a composer as prolific in symphonic and chamber music as he is) that is beautiful and exciting, and for anybody who loves any of the artists involved invaluable also. Of a small but very worthy DVD competition, as of now this performance is quite possibly the best with the Bernstein performance an extremely close second. It is performed in a most beautiful venue, and the almost cinematic photography really allows you to enjoy it fully, it looks wonderful. The performance is also excellently recorded, with plenty of resonance. From a musical and vocal standpoint it's nigh-on perfect, credit should be given to the effort made to re-create a historically informed performance with a classical-sized orchestra. In this case the reduced Vienna Philharmonic, but they still manage to give a really full and rich sound with plenty of style and beauty of tone. The Vienna State Opera Choir also tone things down a tad, as appropriate, but hardly sound anaemic with sturdy sound, tight ensemble, rhythmic accuracy and good attention to balance. Riccardo Muti's conducting is surprisingly great, for a conductor not usually associated with Haydn which is what is meant by surprisingly, with lots of sensitive lines and attention to balance and tempos that would bring joy to one's eyes, dramatic intensity and playful humour are more than evident here too. And what first-rate soloists, Iris Vermillion is the least familiar to me and doesn't have an awful lot to sing but sings very firmly and is hardly forgettable. Olaf Baer is as sturdy as an oak and does bring a playfulness here and there, while Samuel Ramey while not at his very best(though this was in his prime years) sings with velvety richness and Francisco Araiza sings with expressiveness and more nuances than he usually did and his voice is gleaming and remarkably rich for a tenor. The highlight though is the very-much missed Lucia Popp(who gets the lion's share of the music here), I cannot get enough of her luscious purity, her silky phrasing or her poised presence, she really does give a hugely gracefully musical, exquisitely sung and emotive performance here. The blending and chemistry between the five of them shine very much. All in all, an invaluable performance. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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