BYU EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE, Douglas E. Bush, director: "Messiah," de Jong Concert Hall, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Additional performance at St. Mary's Church in Park City, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
BYU got into the holiday spirit Tuesday by performing Handel's perennial winter favorite, "Messiah." The student Early Music Ensemble, under the baton of Douglas E. Bush, played well, and the chorus was first-rate.The soloists in this performance (soprano Susan Deauvono, alto Courtney Atak, tenor Brian Stucki and bass Darrel Babbidge) also did a fine job with their respective numbers.
However, in spite of the many admirable qualities about this performance, there were a number of negative things that could be said, too. For one thing, Bush conducted this score at a much too leisurely pace. His direction was lifeless, and as a result, much of the music lacked spirit and vitality.
There were also quite a few glitches. Missed cues and wrong tempos necessitated starting some numbers over. Intonation, too, became a big problem as the performance wore on. Most of these problems would have been solved with extra rehearsal time. As such, the performance reminded one a little too much of a dress rehearsal.
But despite these problems it was still an evening of some memorable moments. For example, Babbidge was great in "The Trumpet Shall Sound", as was Stucki in "Ev'ry Valley."
And everything came together for the performers in the Hallelujah Chorus. Bush took it at a brisk pace and made it a resounding choral triumph.