If George Frideric Handel were to come back to life today, the great baroque composer would surely be pleased that more than 250 years after his creation of the “Messiah,” the oratorio remains a cherished Christmas tradition.
He also would no doubt smile approvingly on the altogether satisfying version of the work presented Sunday evening before a sold-out audience at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral.
The Colorado Symphony and Colorado Symphony Chorus might offer what could be considered the area’s primary performances of the “Messiah” each December. But there are several alternatives – none more appealing than this annual one at St. John’s.
Instead of the gigantic forces sometimes assembled for this work, the cathedral employed a more modest and, arguably, more sensible contingent – 39 singers and 16 musicians – that comes closer to what Handel used for his performances.
Further enhancing this presentation was the fitting sacred setting, with the soaring expanses of the beautiful gothic-style structure providing just the right kind of resonant acoustics for this choral work.
But most important were the performances themselves, and they were all first-rate, including the five vocal soloists and especially the surprisingly fine chamber orchestra. Playing with a sense of gusto and purpose, it ably captured the spirit and style of the music.
The St. John’s choir showed itself to be one of Denver’s best such ensembles, with its pitch- perfect intonation, unflappable balance and blend, and obvious enthusiasm and commitment.
Deserving much of the credit for the evening’s success was Stephen Tappe, who took over as director of music in 2004. He proved himself to be an excellent conductor, delivering a vital, cohesive, well-paced interpretation.
He also should be commended for moving the singers back to the cathedral’s choir stalls, with the orchestra in between. This arrangement, which dates back centuries, creates a kind of stereophonic effect, with the horseshoe-shaped sanctuary serving as a soundbox.
Opening the concert and nicely setting the mood was a performance of Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 3 in G minor, Op. 4, with the cathedral’s associate organist, Richard Robertson, serving as an able soloist.
Fine arts critic Kyle MacMillan can be reached at 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com.
