COMPOSERS: Handel
LABELS: Hyperion Dyad
WORKS: Messiah
PERFORMER: Vocal soloists; The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra/Harry Christophers
CATALOGUE NO: CDD 22019 1986
This live Messiah is a relatively intimate, small-scale affair – quiet recording, thoughtful tempi and an emphasis, typical of Christophers, on the music’s more contemplative aspects. Helped by a strong line-up of soloists, with Lynne Dawson outstanding, this gentle approach is very beguiling, though at times I did wish for a touch more colour and power. William Christie (Harmonia Mundi) remains top recommendation, but this attractive set is certainly among the best of the mid-price Messiahs. Graham Lock
Handel: Messiah
This live Messiah is a relatively intimate, small-scale affair – quiet recording, thoughtful tempi and an emphasis, typical of Christophers, on the music’s more contemplative aspects. Helped by a strong line-up of soloists, with Lynne Dawson outstanding, this gentle approach is very beguiling, though at times I did wish for a touch more colour and power. William Christie (Harmonia Mundi) remains top recommendation, but this attractive set is certainly among the best of the mid-price Messiahs. Graham Lock
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm