@@Cynicalgeek743 Of course, I know it - however, this version is one of my favorites. As for Scholl, his interpretation of Vivaldi's 'Nisi Dominus' is one of my beloved pieces
I'm so grateful that I came across Iestyn Davies. His voice is so even, beautiful, the right amount of color. Heard him from the Met's HD production of "Rodelinda" and he was amazing!
Robin Brown - I couldn't agree more. Iestyn is already at the pinnacle of the genre; what is exciting is how much more he will advance the art of the countertenor? Keep going Iestyn, the world is at your feet!
I specially love a recording Mr. Davies did of ""O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion"" from the Messiah. That is how I learned from this singer and became a fan of his voice. (Please excuse my English. )
Robert, I already have 2 of Davies's CDs - "Arias for Guadagni" and "The art of melancholy". I want more of his recordings and yours too:-) Good luck to both!
Paris sans fin It must be something personal between both of you. Otherwise I can't explain. Even if disliking the pitch of his voice, he still stays an excellent singer. You aren't expressing a profound opinion on his singing. It's just rude and offensive. Sorry for you.
Robert, I just came from his concert in Vancouver with Fretwork. It was fantastic! Live is always so special! And now I have these 2 CDs "Arias for Guadagni" and "The art of melancholy" signed by Mr Davies himself! I'm so happy!:-) I wanted to buy their CD with Nyman and Purcell pieces but somebody forgot to bring them. It's a pity! But we have Amazon:-)
I’ve just discovered your videos and your voice. It’s AMAZING! So pure and powerful! Bravo! You became one of my favorite countertenors in just a couple of minutes🥰
Will be the background music of the mind in my deathbed confession. Thank you for posting to remind us that this apparent world points to the true one if only we listen
Love Lestyn's vocal timbre, in this performance of J.S.Bach's Agnus Dei. Have a listen to ''Eternal Light'' with Lestyn and the Trumpeter Alison Balsam for more delights; it's sublime and pure heaven. How certain people can call his voice ''girly'' is beyond my comprehension. I guess some listeners just want to create an argument as they are bored during lock down! One of the best counter tenors ever with a superb timbre & vocal range. One has to also thank J.S. for an absolutely gorgeous, beautiful & memorable melody!
Surely waiting through that long intro to start singing on a piano top D is one of the great trials of a countertenor's life (tho' the Chorton pitch helps). Handled here with grace and beauty.
Global economy, Covid19, corruption, lack of empathy, social injustices; all of this makes me very angry ... just a beautiful dog like that, keeps my heart warm, and reminds me that God is here.
Iestyn voice seems to be the proper voice for this score and especialy when he sings Eternal source of light divine, best recording I've ever heard so far ... link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fCSQd8Nx4mI.html
Not tightened, the wood is convex rather than concave in disposition - the reason is that the bows are designed and constructed on Baroque models. My own bass viola da gamba's bow is similarly built. They always seem to have a long point on the end compared to 'modern' bows too. The hair is probably not as tight as on modern bows, interestingly.
Hi Andres; the piece in its entirety is being performed at 'baroque pitch' which is A=415hz as opposed to modern pitch which is A=440hz. The orchestra are The English Concert who are practitioners of 'Historically Informed Performance' so when playing Bach do this all the time. More info here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A440_(pitch_standard)
@@iestyndavies Besides being reasonably authentic, this pitch is kind to us counter-tenors! I sang this at concert pitch once, and the opening p high D was a real sweat-maker, at least for an amateur C-T.
He finds himself out of air at the end of each phrase, what makes it inaudible, although the tempo is quicker than usual...such a pity, because his voice is beautiful.
Good YES, but littlr too fast for me!!! Andreas Scholl have also recorded this for Harmonia Mundi, it's over 1 min longer. Listen to him before you decide!
To decide what? Scholl is great in his own way! But why can't we just enjoy both versions without putting a "tag" whose is the best ever?! :-) Happy New Year to everyone with this divine beauty!
If you want to hear the way Bach meant this to be sung, listen to Michael Chance in his numerous renditions, but especially the one with Franz Bruggen (1989 Philips recording). His warmth of tone and sense of legato has NOT BEEN MATCHED by any other singer that exists at this point! Davies is accurate in every way, BUT VERY COLD AND DETACHED in his delivery! In fact, there is not much that makes me want to listen to Davies at all!
George Peabody What a thoughtful comment; thank you for sparing the time. I would relish the opportunity to also chat with Bach about how he wanted this to be sung. Lucky you!
What a surprise! You must pardon my ZEAL for I have a definite inclination for Chance's singing, but he is a bit older than you, been in the business of Bach a lot longer and that may be his edge, but that's my humble opinion! I commend you for your commentary, and if I could arrange a séance, we might conjure up The great Johann, himself. God Bless!
I always find that Iestyn’s performances make me aware of the miraculous, improbable, and incomprehensible propositions being set forth. I love the tranquility and absence of terror In this performance. The Lamb goes uncomplaining forth. The timbre and artistic presentation belong to a reality we can only access through art. We have flown from the US to U.K. numerous times to hear him. Nevertheless, I recognize it is difficult to let go of the idols of one’s youth and embrace a young artist. I often have that problem, too.
