Handel - Messiah |
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Average Customer Rating:  
List Price: £15.99
Our Price: £12.53
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0691062028523
Format: Hybrid SACD
Label: Linn
Manufacturer: Linn
Number Of Discs: 2
Publisher: Linn
Release Date: 2006-12-04
Running Time: 140
Studio: Linn |
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Top of the pile!, 2007-02-22
Having listened to many of the various versions of Messiah, and previously having had The English Concert/Pinnock (Archiv) as my top choice, this new release from the Dunedin Consort has now surpassed that. Sure, it's sometimes tricky to compare recordings of different performing versions of the Messiah (of which there are many) but this recording of the 1742 Dublin version, whilst it might have been originally adapted by Handel to cater for soloists of perhaps a lesser quality than he could lay his hands on elsewhere, is by no means a 'poorer' version for that, certainly if this recording is anything to go by.
Where this recording really excels is the superb diction of both choir and the soloists drawn from within. Maybe easier to achieve with smaller forces than on most other recordings but the diction is supreme nonetheless. Clare Wilkinson's 'He Was Despised' comes up in quite the most heart rending and tragic rendition I have ever heard (which is how it should be) and is for me, the premier highlight amongst many. The overall oratorio is presented with such charm and the sense that Charles Jennens' collection of Scriptures is narrated as an entire story from start to finish.
The playing of the Dunedin Players is superb and the balance between choir and instrumentalists in the Hallelujah Chorus in particular is supreme and produces a rendition most joyful, (aided by the wonderfully punchy trumpets and timpani) far removed from the Victoriana pomposity of a number of older versions and the numerous 'Come Along and Sing' Hallelujahs (and Messiahs in general) frequently put on each year.
Quite the most sublime and joyful recorded version of Messiah I've ever heard. The Dunedin Consort and Players (not to mention John Butt!) should be proud.
Cut Glass and Crystal, 2006-12-17
No doubt a fine version - deserving the praise it has been given in the record reviewing press for its polish and precision. Beautifully played and sung. Bright and brilliant; fresh and full of finesse and poise.
But there's the problem. Isn't it all a bit too precise and polished and self-regarding?
Another reviewer mentions the older Mackerras recording - a version full of odd things - but it is exciting and alive and had all the nervous energy of a real event. The vital and wonderful qualities this primly proper recording lacks.
Rejoice, 2006-12-27
I just thought I'd point out that this performance uses the 6-8 version of Rejoice. I've looked at that in the score but I've never heard it performed. I found it utterly charming.
Overall, having performed Messiah more times than I care to count, this performance is an enjoyable, new look at the work. At least, new to me.
"We shall not all sleep..." Sadly, I did., 2008-05-28
As so often with recordings raved about by the UK critical establishment, I found this a big let-down. This performance is no doubt very scholarly and accurate, but to me it's precious, petite and ultimately soporific. The booklet says they wanted to create the freshness and surprise of a premiere; for me they achieved the opposite.
If you REALLY want a Messiah with absolutely superb diction, try out Radu and the Ama Deus Ensemble from American Amazon.
Outstanding Handel, 2008-01-11
There are many versions of 'Messiah' available, ranging from those with choirs in the hundreds(Sargent. Beecham, et al)to those with much smaller choirs and with period instruments (Pinnock and others). But even if you have these, the is a version in the 'must have' category. There are only 13 choir members and the soloists 'double' from the choir. This would be an approach quite familiar to Handel; many oratorios were performed thus.In this version every crotchet is absolutely accurate; reading against the 'Dublin' score, and there are only trivial and very few 'cuts'. The sheer musicality has, in my view, never been achieved before - and I have been listening to 'Messiah' in live performance and on disc for over 50 years. Every aria and every chorus is 'fresh' and the diction, intonation, musical nuance and breath control are all superb. If you buy an oratorio disc this year, and even if you have many versions of Messiah, this is a 'must have'. Moving and memorable - quite outstanding.
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