Gabrieli Consort

“The sheer magnificence of the choruses that provide the oratorio's structural pillars has rarely been so effectively realised on disc. McCreesh also has an exceptional set of soloists. The results are exceptional; overtaking even John Eliot Gardiner's striking version on the same label.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008 *****

“While yielding to none in joyous exhilaration, McCreesh gives full value to the mystery and awe of creation. Unlike most period practitioners, he often favours broad tempos, whether in a wonderfully creepy evocation of the primeval slime in "Chaos" or the most majestic of sunrises... If you want a Creation in English, this new version - sonically thrilling, marvellously sung and characterised - sweeps the field.” The Telegraph, March 2008

“In all the choruses McCreesh's pacing - eager but never hectic - and rhythmic energy are wonderfully inspiriting. He is acutely responsive, too, to the work's mystery and awe… The less consistently cast Rattle recording sometimes generates more fun. but for a Creation in English, this new version - exhilarating, poetic and marvellously sung - becomes the prime recommendation.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008

"this version from the Gabrieli Consort directed by Paul McCreesh has a greater sense of purpose, of occasion, than many of its rivals" - BBC Music Magazine

Concert performances of the Vespers garnered critical acclaim: 'The energy and imagination of McCreesh's performance with the Gabrieli Consort and Players re-created the atmosphere of early 17th-century Italy in the 21st-century East End of London - The depth and insight of the vocal performances was matched by the brilliance of the instrumental playing' (Guardian)

“McCreesh gives us a compelling attempt to place Monteverdi's settings in the contects of a Vespers service.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008