Handel: Messiah (The Complete Oratorio)

George Frideric Handel (Composer), Robert Shaw (Conductor), Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Richard Stilwell (Performer), Layton James (Performer), Alfreda Hodgson (Performer), Kaaren Erickson (Performer), Sylvia McNair (Performer), Jon Humphrey (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Richard Stilwell, Layton James, Alfreda Hodgson, Kaaren Erickson, Sylvia McNair, et al.
• Orchestra: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Robert Shaw
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000003CT7
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,944 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Oratorios
  • #34 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Oratorio

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The truest rendition of the Greatest Oratorio Ever, August 12, 2001

By 

"imperatorsean" (Pueblo, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (The Complete Oratorio) (Audio CD)

I scoff at anyone who says that this recording is boring or has poor sound quality. I have found the recording to be the best out of all my Messiah recordings as well as the recording that is the truest to Handel's original intentions and scope. Most copies of Messiah contain overly large choirs that fail to capture many of the nuances that Handel built into this Oratorio. The smaller orchestra/choir size allows the listener to hear many artfully performed and skillfully composed sections that one would miss in a recording with a larger orchestra. This CD is skillfully executed. Of particular favorite is the third piece of the Part Two, SURELY HE HATH BORNE OUR GRIEFS AND CARRIED OUR SORROWS. The chorus is at its best here and treats the middle adagio section with much grace and humility. This is the premier copy of Handel's Messiah and should be heard so that the listener can appreciate what Handel had originally intended before conductors made the mistake of trying to enlarge the already great piece.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best rendition, December 5, 1999

By 

Samuel D. Swinehart (Kirkland, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (The Complete Oratorio) (Audio CD)

I have to concur with Mr. Scott A. Steiner in saying that this is one of, if not the best rendition of Handel's Messiah I have heard. Additionally, the way the voices circle, diverge and then coalese in 'O Death ..' is just stunning. An outstanding recording.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Sound, December 8, 1999

By 

Robert Skrinyaz "elitist? Naw, just particular" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (The Complete Oratorio) (Audio CD)

True to the Shaw tradition, this recording is magnificent, well executed, and accurate. It is tough to go through the holidays without being able to look forward to a new Shaw recording, but his genius for choral work is showcased here for the ages.