Mendelssohn's Psalms for choir and orchestra are gems in the romantic religious repertoire. This performance by Helmut Rilling proves that this music is anything but soft. The 40-strong Gächinger Kantorei sings vigorously, sometimes even too rough, but offers such a good counterbalance to the orchestra. Rilling translates Mendelssohn's music into drama and treats choir and orchestra as part of each
… other, not as two separate components. This is very noticeable when the choir starts after an instrumental introduction, for example in Psalm 115. The recording is so clear that the different layers come out beautifully. The beginning of Psalm 42 is idyllic in this version; the sounds well up very gradually. The approach is also a cappella massive and grand, without compromising articulation, as is clear from Psalm 98. The soloists sing widely with a constant vibrato. Sybilla Rubens sings the soprano solos from Psalm 42. Despite her cool voice, she manages to impress with her delicate technique and empathy. (RS)more
