This enterprising German label has recently served up some wonderfully crafted chamber and choral performances and this discovery by Spohr is no exception. Apparently "The Last Judgement" (Die letzten Dinge - 1825/6) was an extremely popular oratorio in its heyday but it unfortunately fell by the wayside and is little heard today.
Spohr treats the text with reverence and respect and although the music rarely rises above the mundane, the soloists and Budday ensure that the listener is engrossed in what is going on from first note to last.
Unfortunately the note on the work is very sketchy and the booklet contains only detailed biographies of the performers although the oratorio's text is included. Other than that, this is a worthwhile revival from the Spohr canon which deserves much wider currency.
Copyright © 2011, Gerald Fenech