Title : Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis
Author : George Frideric Handel
Release Date : 19931109
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $14.36
(20
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : This 1966 reading from Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony is a classic. A noble, compassionate interpretation, it represents a very successful melding of the English oratorio tradition with the then-emerging notion of an authentic performance style emphasizing lightness of texture and firm rhythmic underpinning. In its latest incarnation, as a Philips 'Duo' offering (two CDs for the price of one), it's an especially good bargain.
Buyer Reviews : I'm nowhere near as well informed as other reviewers here, but aim this review at a more general audience. Most certainly, Handel's Messiah must be regarded as one of the greatest musical works composed, and as still THE great oratorio. It reaches beyond the classical audience, and while I don't necessarily recommend it to all who profess a hate of classical music, even those people may feel the power and majesty of portions of this. And as another reviewer points out, while this work is absolutely religious in theme, it transcends religion and is bound to touch atheists, agnostics, and members of non-Christian religions with the strength of pure spirituality.
There are a number of versions of this. The selection of instruments is mentioned by other reviewers. Also, Handel was constantly revising his work from the initial composition of it until his death. And in the 18th century, it was common for individual choirs and soloists to make revisions to suit their capabilities.
The only reason I give this four stars rather than five is that I was first introduced to 'The Messiah' in a college Music Appreciation class, and at the time the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's recording was the teacher's choice to use. I later bought that particular recording and this is the version that feels exactly right to me. So my feeling for the Colin Davis recording is an admittedly biased personal opinion that the version I first heard can not be equalled, and I certainly do not extend this personal opinion as an authoritative or informed one.
Bottom line...if you don't have a recording of The Messiah, buy this one. If you do already have a recording performed by others, strongly consider buying this one anyway.
