Taken by the Handel (From Bournemouth Echo)

Taken by the Handel

1:47pm Wednesday 19th December 2007

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BSO & BSC, Lighthouse, Poole

This year's Handelian homage to God in the annual performance of Messiah delivered the message with unsurpassed clarity.

Dominic Wheeler directed an intelligent, unforced reading with sufficient rhythmic integrity to hold everything together.

Neal Davies, bass, has the most theatrical lines, splendidly empowered in Thus saith the Lord and in the Trumpet shall sound with Martin Ings superbly played Baroque trumpet.

The rounded, finely tempered voice of counter-tenor Iestyn Davies gave his substantial role impressive command and in tenor Robert Murray the emotive spirit rose to a moving Aria, Behold and see amongst other finely nuanced parts.

Equal to all these, soprano Jeni Bern sustained a wonderful purity throughout. A gentle vibrato kept the flow of words to the forefront helped by Wheeler's careful orchestral balancing.

That same attention allowed the glorious Bournemouth Symphony Chorus to attain an articulate advantage.

It is always a joy to hear that one word, Amen, develop into such a thrilling conclusion.

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