Handel: Messiah -
Recorded in 1991, this Messiah was one of the first major projects from Richard Hickox and ... more
Simon Standage's early music group Collegium Musicum 90. Undaunted by a work so familiar and so oft-recorded, Hickox and his new band produced a performance of remarkable freshness that still rates as one of the most enjoyable, natural-sounding Messiahs of the CD era. It's a warmer, more welcoming interpretation than those of other period-instrument groups directed by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, John Eliot Gardiner or William Christie; and even Paul McCreesh's celebrated 1997 version lacks some of Hickox's unassuming sensitivity. Here the springy, ebullient instrumental textures have an authentic clarity without seeming undernourished (trumpeter Crispian Steel-Perkins' formidable solo in "The trumpet shall sound" is a highlight); and these are more than matched by an admirable clarity of diction from soloists and chorus alike. You not only hear the words, but feel the force of the texts as sung by a stellar front-row line-up of seasoned Handelians. Della Jones' "He was despised" is a good example of full vibrato singing that yet remains focused on the words, while Bryn Terfel brings a mature richness to his arias, notably "The people that walk in darkness", which belies the fact that this was one of his first recordings. The chorus performs a similar feat, elucidating all the soul-stirring joy of "For unto us a child is born" and the famous "Hallelujah" chorus itself. There's no such thing as a definitive Messiah, but this is certainly one of the most satisfying all-round recordings in the catalogue.--Mark Walker
Main Performer: Ailish Tynan (Soprano); Alice Coote (Mezzo soprano); Allan Clayton (Tenor); Matthew Rose (Baritone); Matthew Rose (Bass)
Orchestra / Ensemble(s): Cambridge King's College Choir; Academy of Ancient Music Orchestra; King's College Choir, Cambridge
Date of Release: 20/04/2009
Label / Distributor: EMI Classics / EMI
Pieces in Set: 2
Genre(s): Vocal and choral
Stereo: Stereo
SPAR Code: DDD
EAN: 5099926815626
Catalogue Number: 268156
Work 1
Work Title: Messiah, HWV56
Excerpt(s): 1. Overture 2. PART 1 - Comfort ye my people 3. Every valley shall be exalted 4. And the glory of the Lord 5. Thus saith the Lord 6. But who may abide? 7. And he shall purify 8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive 9. O thou that tellest 10. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth 11. The people that walked in darkness 12. For unto us a child is born 13. Pastoral Symphony 14. There were shepherds abiding in the field; And lo, the angel of the Lord 15. And the angel said unto them 16. And suddenly there was with the angel 17. Glory to God 18. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion 19. Then shall the eyes of the blind 20. He shall feed his flock 21. He shall feed his flock; Come unto him all ye that labour 22. His yoke is easy 23. PART 2 - Behold the lamb of God 24. He was despised 25. Surely he hath borne our griefs 26. And with his stripes 27. All we like sheep 28. All they that see him 29. He trusted in God 30. Thy rebuke hath broken his heart 31. Behold, and see if there been any sorrow 32. He was cut off out of the land 33. But thou didst not leave 34. Lift up your heads 35. Unto which of the angels 36. Let all the angels 37. Thou art gone up on high 38. The Lord gave the word 39. How beautiful are the feet 40. Their sound is gone out 41. Why do the nations? 42. Let us break their bonds asunder 43. He that dwelleth in Heaven 44. Thou shalt break them 45. Hallelujah 46. PART 3 - I know that my Redeemer liveth 47. Since by man came death 48. By man came also 49. For as in Adam 50. Even so in Christ 51. Behold I tell you a mystery 52. The trumpet shall sound 53. Then shall be brought to pass 54. O death, where is thy sting? 55. But thanks be to God 56. If God is for us 57. Worthy is the lamb 58. Amen
Composer: George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Genre: Vocal & Choral
Date Written: 1742
Conductor: Stephen Cleobury
Orchestra / Ensemble: Academy of Ancient Music Orchestra
Orchestra / Ensemble: King's College Choir, Cambridge
Orchestra / Ensemble: Cambridge King's College Choir
Main Performer: Ailish Tynan (Soprano), Alice Coote (Mezzo soprano), Allan Clayton (Tenor), Matthew Rose (Baritone), Matthew Rose (Bass)
Opera Part(s): Ailish Tynan, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton, Matthew Rose, Matthew Rose
Advantages: A great piece of music Disadvantages: None
...If you want a classical piece of music with some real excitement and depth to it, then the Messiah should be your choice.
The Messiah is a real masterpiece of the classical period. Handel has managed to wheave together so many different forms and styles of vocal and orchestral music that captivates the audience and lifts the occassions at which it is performed.
The Messiah is designed for a choir, soloists and orchestra. I have recently performed as the Bass soloist in the Messiah, and as a performer, I was able to really reach my full potential by singing some of the most complicated music for all musicians.
Starting with 2 magical tenor solos, including some great chorus's such as he Allelulia Chorus (at which King George III stood and so is tradition for the audience to do so) and Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.
There...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Fleming is sublime, well sung throughout Disadvantages: Live recording is slightly noticeable in places
...Despite being one of the most prolific composers of opera and very successful in his own time, Handel operas have remained largely neglected in the operatic repertoire until fairly recently with the Handel revival that began in the '60s. Because of this, if you're looking for recordings of Handel operas there are often not too many to choose from and to my knowledge there are only 3 recordings available of Alcina: one with Joan Sutherland in the title role, one with Renee Fleming, and one with Arleen Auger. I am eagerly awaiting the release this month of another recording with Joyce DiDonato in the title role - possibly an unorthodox choice as a mezzo soprano, but one of my favourite singers.
Alcina tells the story of a sorceress (Alcina herself) who seduces every man who dares to set foot on her island. However, Alcina is fickle...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Graphically superb. Hint of originality Disadvantages: Difficulty, even the easiest level is far too hard. Your controlled character is far too weak.
...Messiah - A game I spotted with a preview rating in ComputerActive, and seemed to have a lot of potential. Well, it did, and does, it needs finding perhaps.
Developed through Shiny and Interplay, the delay of this game coming out I understand raged onwards for some time, and a hurried ending looks to have taken place. This, unfortunately seems to have turned the cards slightly from a most original game to a regular platformer. I'm not saying there are no decent platform games out there, on the contrary, (Flashback was once a favourite of mine), but this could have been something special.
Messiah concerns Bob, a young winged sprite who has the power to control the souls of other bodies, and it's primarily through this function that you conduct your passage through the game. The mite himself, without protection, is as delicate as...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
helpful 29.05.2001
Compare Handel: Messiah to other similar Classical
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
15.08.2005
30.03.2009
29.05.2001
