BEETHOVEN, L. van: Glorreiche Augenblick (Der) / Choral Fantasy (McCawley, City of London Choir, Royal Philharmonic, Wetton)

All strive in this performance impelled by the conducting of Hilary Davan Wetton, who has a comprehensive grasp of the score. From grandeur to contemplation, the mix of many elements is persuasively interpreted well worth experiencing the Choral Fantasia is striking Beethoven. Leon McCawley plays the 26-bar solo introduction with a sense of ad-lib abandon, coruscating in the hailstorm of notes at its fortissimo climax. And he maintains throughout a feel for the improvisatory quality of the part a very good performance "

Nalen Anthoni - Gramophone magazine - September 2012

The Choral Fantasy is a persuasive performance, nicely shaped and controlled by the conductor. A good recording…of two of Beethoven’s second-tier pieces. Special thanks to Wetton, a strong advocate of these seldom-heard works." Paul L Althouse - American Record Guide - September 2012

The soloists are generally impressive The choirs are consistently excellent and they make light of Beethoven’s demanding vocal writing. The playing of the Royal Philharmonic is first-rate in every way, revealing an adoption of historically informed performance practice. Hilary Davan Wetton’s enthusiasm and love for both works is obvious, and, along with Naxos, he deserves special kudos for recording this Beethoven rarity. David A McConnell - MusicWeb-International.com - July 2012

With first-rate recorded sound, the disc is strongly recommended"

Misha Donat - BBC Music Magazine - July 2012

The soloists are all absolutely superb. Claire Rutter barnstorms her way through her aria—which features a starry contribution from Clio Gould in the obbligato violin solo. Peter Hoare and Stephen Gadd do what they are given very well. The four voices combine very happily in the quartet which precedes the final chorus. The combined choirs in that final chorus really whip up a storm accompanied by a battery of ‘Turkish’ percussion which in some ways anticipates the similar passage in the final movement of the Choral Symphony. The orchestra under the energetic baton of Hilary Davan Wetton really sound as if they enjoy discovering this music The Choral Fantasia is a much more familiar work, and has been frequently employed as a ‘fill-up’ when an additional Beethoven work is needed to complete collections of the piano concertos as well as various choral works. It is a worthwhile piece in its own right, and the performance here is pretty good without being overblown. Leon McCawley does everything he can with the opening for solo piano In summary, the work for which the listener should hear this CD is the almost totally unknown cantata—Beethoven at his mature best The recording quality is absolutely superb even in the tricky balances of the Choral Fantasia, well balanced and clear in the Royal Philharmonic’s own concert hall."

Paul Corfield Godfrey - MusicWeb-International.com - June 2012

Davan-Wetton conducts a glowing account and the singing of both the City of London Choir and the Westminster Boys Choir is exemplary. The soloists, too, are in fine form and the RPO plays with panache and poise. The Choral Fantasia is much better known and gives us a chance to appreciate Leon McCawley who shapes the solo piano part with style and receives strong support from Choir and Orchestra" James Norris - Audiophilia.com - June 2012