Composer: Sumi
Works: Jo The Christmas Album
Performers: Sumi Jo (soprano), Hiro Kurosaki (violin), Barbara Ochs (contralto), Gottfried Bach (fortepiano, organ), VokalEnsemble Köln, Cappella Coloniensis des WDR, conducted by Max Ciolek and Michael Schneider
Recording: Studio Stofbergerstrasse, Cologne, 4 – 9 October 2000
Label: ERATO 8573-85819-2
Sumi Jo’s “The Christmas Album” presents a carefully curated selection of seasonal music, with a focus on works from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. While the album’s packaging may suggest yet another conventional holiday offering, the content reveals a thoughtful assemblage of pieces that reflect a European pastoral Christmas. This thematic cohesion is particularly evident in the inclusion of both well-known carols and lesser-known cantatas, all of which create a rich tapestry of sound that transports listeners to a time when Christmas was celebrated with an emphasis on simplicity and reverence.
The performances on this album demonstrate Sumi Jo’s remarkable vocal prowess, particularly in the repertoire that most showcases her agility and expressiveness. Her rendition of Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate” is a highlight, showcasing her technical mastery and the clarity of her tone. Jo’s interpretation is marked by a delicate balance of fervor and grace, allowing the listener to appreciate the intricacies of Mozart’s melodic lines. In contrast, her approach to the folk-inspired “I Wonder as I Wander” feels overly stylized, as though she is more concerned with presenting an artistic interpretation rather than embodying the song’s inherent simplicity and emotional weight. This raises questions about interpretative choices, particularly in works that thrive on authenticity and straightforwardness.
The contributions of the Cappella Coloniensis, a period instrument ensemble, lend a refreshing authenticity to the performances. Their interpretations, particularly in the Vivaldi Violin Concerto “Il riposo,” maintain a buoyancy that is characteristic of Vivaldi’s style, despite the piece’s somewhat generic nature compared to his more celebrated works. Hiro Kurosaki’s violin playing is commendable, though it sometimes lacks the distinctiveness to elevate the concerto beyond its conventional framework. The VokalEnsemble Köln, under Max Ciolek’s direction, offers a nuanced interpretation of German Christmas chorales, their singing imbued with a warmth that enhances the overall festive spirit of the album.
The recording quality is robust, with a clear delineation of voices and instruments that allows for an immersive listening experience. The engineering captures the resonance of the period instruments beautifully, providing an acoustic environment that complements the music’s historical context. The accompanying notes are informative, although the excessive focus on Sumi Jo’s biography may detract from a more in-depth exploration of the music itself.
Sumi Jo’s “The Christmas Album” stands out in a crowded field of holiday recordings, primarily due to its thoughtful selection of repertoire and the high quality of its performances. While some interpretive choices may invite scrutiny, the overall execution is commendable, balancing historical awareness with technical proficiency. This album merits a place in any collection aimed at celebrating the Christmas season through a classical lens, offering both familiarity and discovery for the listener.
