Saul

"Für die schönsten Momente sorgt jedoch Sopranistin Kirsten Blaise als Michal: Wie sie etwa inder Arie "Oh godlike youth" gemeinsam mit dem Orchester die Wortbedeutung ausformt und dabei ganz organisch in die musikalische Linie einfügt, ist schlicht hinreisend und vermag den einen oder anderen Makel der Aufnahme aufzuwiegen".

"The soloists, by-and-large, are effective ... Notwithstanding a few weaknesses, Rilling convincingly sustains the drama with mainly well-judged tempos, and strong support from chorus and instrumentalists".

"Christopher's spruce conducting which champions transparency and musical precision ... The Baroque pomp and circumstance of the ceremonial music is crisply judged, and, whether lamenting or rejoicing, the choruses are always beautifully contoured, as is the incisive playing of The Sixteen's house band. Christopher Purves and Sarah Connolly all but steal the show: Purves's splenetic Saul is a satisfyingly multi-layered creation ... Connolly's 'O Lord, whose mercies' proves a spellbinding vindication of casting a sophisticated velvety mezzo".