July 25, 2018

Opera News’ Critic’s Choice: Cantata, yet can I hear…

“…the most sophisticated and musically satisfying of today’s countertenors, Mehta serves the music with his unfailingly sweet sound and beautifully sculpted phrases.”

The Opera News praises our release of “Cantata – yet can I hear…” with Bejun Mehta and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin! Read a glimpse of the review below!

His interpretations are thoughtful, as well. He underlines the sweet fulfillment of the aria “Ich habe genug” (It is enough), rather than the customary weariness and heaviness of Simeon’s Biblical words for the Feast of the Purification, with dramatic yet tasteful handling of the ensuing recitatives.

Mehta colors his voice, digging into intense moments as the poet mourns and weeps with the agonizing burden of sin and shame. The steadily moving bass line propels the singer along in quiet praise, and Mehta brings a sunny confidence that feels like balm after the searing pain and questioning of the Lamento.

Judith Malafronte

Read the full review on Opera News Magazine – August 2018 edition

Photo by Marco Borggreve