“The strong voice of professional tenor soloist Graham Neal brought command and pathos to the role of St Nicolas.”
“Led by artistic director Christopher Monks, the ensemble made great use of the space for an accessible and exciting rendition of the work, carried greatly by two standout tenor soloists in Peter Davoren and Graham Neal…The opening psalm tone sang by Graham Neal, preceding the sustained tutti grandeur of the opening Deus in Adjutorium meun intende, represented a dramatic, bold and accessible opening, making as much as possible of Monteverdi’s operatic and progressive writing.”
“Tenor Graham Neal also stood out, whose suffering (Heu mihi! Filia mea) gradually made its way through meditative passages and multi-voice prayers until reaching the apotheotic final lament (Plorate filii Israel), where Gardiner managed to emphasise the prescriptive, almost visionary character of Carissimi as an indisputable reference for Baroque choral music.”
Scherzo (translation from Spanish)