Review by Edward Kliszus
Maestro Kent Tritle, the Musica Sacra Choir and Orchestra’s musical gift of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah for the Yuletide was mesmerizing, inspired, masterful and magnificent.
The Messiah was first performed in Dublin at the Musick Hall on April 13, 1742, and just as King George II stood during the Hallelujah chorus at the Messiah’s 1743 London premiere, a full house in Carnegie Hall stood enthusiastically, celebrating both the artistic beauty of the work and the inspiring and universal message of hope so well articulated by Handel.
Handel was a generous man, giving freely to the poor, retired musicians, orphans and foundlings. His Messiah is a vital work representing one of the most enduring Yuletide musical gifts elegantly prophesying the birth of Jesus Christ, exaltation of Christ’s sacrifice for humankind, and commemoration of his triumphant Resurrection. One stands in awe at the genius and inspiration enabling Handel to craft his entire work in just a few weeks.
Maestro Tritle and his Musica Sacra provided concert goers with their gift of a sublime inspired performance. Amy Justman, Soprano, Kirsten Sollek, Contralto, Joshua Blue, Tenor and Adam Lau, Bass performed flawlessly. Their singing presented superb interpretations of this monumental work, bringing the text and stories to life as they project piety, absolution and hope.
The orchestra supported the choir and soloists in a refined, well-balanced manner. Great care was attended to utilizing an orchestra designee to provide listeners with a well-crafted authentic 18th century experience. The audience took careful notice of the masterful trumpets (Scott McIntosh and Stephen Madancy), timpanist (Benjamin Herman, Jr.), harpsichord (Renee Anne Louprette), and organist (Raymond Nagem), expressing particular triumphal inspiration and excitement at just the right times.
Maestro Tritle and Musica Sacra are stalwarts in the promulgation and life of critical ecclesiastical musical arts kept alive and well in New York City. Music lovers must avail themselves of future opportunities to experience their amazing musical artistry.
Maestro Kent Tritle and Music a Sacra’s next event takes place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 PM . This a capella concert features Rheinberger’s stunning Mass for Double Choir in E-Flat Major, ‘Cantus Missae.’ The sublime motets of Brahms and Bruckner plus Bach’s Komm, Jesu, Komm complete this evening of soaring and uplifting music. Tickets $20-$75 at https://musicasacrany.com or call 212.330.7684
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Organ and Orchestra by The American Symphony, The American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 by the Park Avenue Chamber Orchestra.
