beth performs as soloist in Mahler’s 2nd Symphony to critical acclaim
Beth performs as the mezzo soprano soloist at the Royal Festival Hall to critical acclaim.
London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner conductor / Sally Matthews soprano / Beth Taylor mezzo-soprano / London Philharmonic Choir / BBC Symphony Chorus
“From the moment the young Scottish mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor launched Urlicht with the vocative “O Röschen rot!”, her inner poise was palpable. I have waited a long time to hear a voice which connects so obviously with this particular composer, recalling Norma Procter, who made many memorable appearances with this orchestra in times past, but who also has the recognisably deep tones of a contralto register, glowing and chocolatey-rich in her chest tones, yet opening out magnificently for “Ach nein! Ich liess mich nicht abweisen!” Here was somebody who imbued every single word she sang with expressive meaning.”
“…Verdi’s piece ends with a hush which seems to say: doubt can’t be overcome. Whereas Mahler’s symphony fights its way from despair to faith in the afterlife through sheer willpower (it’s not called “the Resurrection” for nothing). “Oh believe!” sings the mezzo-soprano, as if beieving hard enough will make it true. Last night the mezzo-soprano was Beth Taylor, and rarely if ever have I felt the power of that call so strongly. She sang with a perfectly natural fullness of tone that was tender and magnificent at once, though she had already melted us in the preceding hushed prayer to the “little angel” to allow us into heaven.”
“The two singers were very well matched to the work. Young Scottish mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor was an utter revelation, hers is a name to watch; she is clearly already much in demand. She bloomed in her ‘Urlicht’, after a beautifully soft, mesmerising opening. She was most expressive and German diction exemplary (she has sung a great deal in Germany, but this was her debut with the LPO). She was accompanied by three fine trumpeters (Paul Beniston, Anne McAneney and Tom Nielsen). Soprano Sally Matthews donned her angel wings and soared impressively high above the stave.”