Haydn J.M. : Der Kampf der Busse und Bekehrung, oratorio. Hamsavi, Scholl, Vashegyi.

   in Choir & Organ (Sep, 2014)
Michael Haydn’s oratorio forms the freestanding middle portion of a three-part work whose outer sections were written by different composers – a not uncommon occurrence in the 18th century. It was composed in 1768 to show off the qualities of three Italian sopranos brought back to Salzburg by the Prince-Archbishop. Their modern day successors do a fine job with a libretto that is effectively a treatise on the importance of obedience to God and a warning to live a righteous life. There is some lovely music in this work: an exquisite aria with horn obbligato and a powerful depiction of the Last Judgment are among the most memorable. Vashegyi guides an …