Search - George Frideric Handel, The Brandenburg Consort, Lynne Dawson :: Handel: Messiah / Dawson, Summers, Ainsley, Miles; Cleobury

If you own one, this is without question the one to own.

kschmid3@bellsouth.net | Panama City, FL | 03/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am the proud owner of six different performances of Handel's Messiah all of which in one way or another reach great heights. The version performed in part by the King's College Chior is so painstakingly recorded and performed with such deep desire that if I had to keep only one I would sadly say goodbye to all the others. The accoustic of the performance is such that you feel, literaly, a part of the experience. I am certain that you will be pleased and feel compelled to add your comments after one listening. LISTENER'S NOTE: Unless your room is designed for top quality sound reproduction you might consider listening, for the first time at least, through a top quality pair of headphones. I did, and it was a moving experience."

My favorite version.

Jeremy D Vosburgh | West Sand Lake, NY United States | 09/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to more than 5 different recordings of this beautiful oratorio, and this one is the best. Hands down. The recording was superb, the control of the singers was superb, the soloists were exact and not over embellished, the musical instruments were excellent and weren't drowned out by the singers (or visa versa), and the reverb of King's College Chapel was not too much and not too little.
What was especially nice about this recording was that the chorus did not seem like droning automatons with no passion for what they were doing. It was amazing to hear (especially in very difficult songs) everyone from the basses to the trebles actually sounding like they meant it. I've heard so many performances where technically the songs were sung almost flawless, but the chorus just didn't sound alive. This recording led by Cleobury is definitely alive.
It is also the only recording in which I could actually disern all the separate notes in that horrifically difficult (and almost always slurred) "Let us break his bands asunder." I enthusiastically recommend this recording as a must have for anyone who enjoys classical or boroque music. Rating this recording 5 out of 5 stars was the easiest thing I've done all month."

The BEST Messiah Recording!

J. C. Miner | Pittsford, NY, USA | 12/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I LOVE Handel's Messiah! I listen to it all year round, not just at Christmas time. I have been to many live perfomances and listened to many recordings of ot over the years, but this is the best that I have ever heard! For Messiah devotees this is a four soloist version. The chior and the soloists are all excellent! You can clearly hear all of the words due to the use of multiple microphones. Also a complete libreto is included, which tells you the Bible passages that each section is taken from. The instrumentalists are excellent too.When you get this 2 CD set you will feel as though you are listening to Messiah for the first time!"