Elias

Thursday November 10, 2005 - Concertgebouw Amsterdam

Mendelssohn: Elias

Camilla Tilling (soprano)
Elise Caluwarts (soprano)
Ann Hallenberg (alto)
Rainer Trost (tenor)
Christian Gerhaher (bariton - Elias)
Choir of the Dutch Radio, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)

The last time this orchestra performed this huge oratorio of Mendelssohn was in 1930! Concerts in the Netherlands always start at 8.15 pm, and normally end around 10.15 pm, but tonight we were out after 11 pm. A long evening with a lot of beautiful and sweetish music, played and sung at the highest level. With Herreweghe as conductor there's always a special atmosphere of real music making. He is one of my favourite conductors and every year he conduct at least one programme with the RCO, and these concerts are always inspired. Ann Hallenberg was the best singer: her voice confluenced wonderful with the orchestra. But there were no weak points in this performance. Nice to have heard this special work at a live performance.