Program

J. S. Bach:

St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244

Performers

Evangelist: Dennis Giesbrecht, tenor Jesus: Gary Kendall, baritone Mimmi Fulmer, soprano Ilona Kombrink, mezzo-soprano Paul Adkins, tenor David Berger, bass UW Choral Union UW Chamber Orchestra Robert Fountain, conductor

Conducting the combined forces of the University's Choral Union and Chamber Orchestra, Robert Fountain's vision of the massive edifice of J. S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion was thoroughly imbued with love. In the incredibly long and difficult part of the Evangelist, Dennis Giesbrecht conveyed the narrative of the Passion with touching sensitivity. As Jesus, Gary Kendall was warm and human in scale. Soloists soprano Mimmi Fulmer and tenor Paul Adkins both had major vocal problems, but bass David Berger was relaxed, rich and flexible, while the laurels of true greatness rest with alto Ilona Kombrink, who brought stunning artistry to both music and text. There was much outstanding instrumental playing, and despite its overwhelming mass, the chorus was well articulated and fully inspired. While the musicians apparently outnumbered the audience at the first performance Thursday evening, a nearly full house received the mighty work on Sunday with probably the most unrestrained applause I've ever heard in Mills Hall. It was well deserved.

Isthmus, May, 1992
Copyright 1992 Jess Anderson