CARMINA BURANA CD

REVIEWS

"I never thought I'd find myself wanting to review a recording of Orff's Carmina Burana, but this one with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra caught my ear and is so superb—so lively, accurate, cleanly recorded, and handsomely played—that its action-movie, apocalyptic aspects are matched by its introspective moments."
- Robert Levine, ClassicsToday.com

"A fresh-voiced choir from Montclair State University, with students from the Moscow Conservatory, brings out the work's youthful exuberance; soloists Sarah Coburn, Vale Rideout and Stephen Powell cope well with Orff's at times stratospheric vocal writing and the orchestra plays with precision and verve." (4 stars)
- Anthony Burton, BBC Music Magazine

"In addition to the requisite firepower, Lacombe draws out the many textures and colors within Orff’s orchestration, making for freshness even in wild celebratory movements."
- Ronni Reich, The Star-Ledger

"It’s an electric, live performance in the best possible sense, all concerned giving their all in this debut concert with the young Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe, who was offered the post of chief conductor several months later. Marvel at the way the brass and strings tear into the tiny Tanz 10 minutes in, or, how Lacombe’s huge chorus abruptly raise and lower their volume against the oompah orchestral backing to In taberna quando sumus. Sorry, but it’s impossible not to enjoy."
- Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk