Customer Reviews

Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Charles Mackerras knows his way around Handel, and with his team of excellent soloists and orchestral & choral forces, he delivers a wonderful experience. I have treasured this recording for many years, going back to when it was on vinyl.

Mackerras' conducting is lively, crisp, and intelligent. Extrovert and forceful in the big moments, sensitive and moving in the tender moments. Mackerras and his team put themselves at the service of the composer and this music. Personalities do not emerge to over-interpret Handel's musical and dramatic intentions. The music is allowed to speak for itself.

The 1977 recording is remastered, but this should not be a consideration as the sound is excellent in every way: detailed, realistic, and dynamic. It was always known for having great sound on LP, and it has to be heard to be believed on CD.

The soloists in this recording are all excellent and well-known - some are opera stars, others have made their name in baroque interpretation. They all sing tastefully. In particular Janet Baker is, as always, a standout! Her duets with Felicity Palmer (not Heather Harper as another reviewer stated) are glorious and moving. I do think the singers are recorded a little close at times, but that is not a big issue.

The orchestra and chorus are full, as was the practice in the 70s. This means the sound is lush and warm, which many listeners have come to expect. But that also means that the orchestration is less transparent and the larger chorus is not as clear. Today's trend towards smaller orchestra and chorus lets the details emerge and we hear more of the individual contributions. But, nonetheless, the orchestra and chorus here are technically marvelous; their playing is very exciting and deft. In the big moments they are riveting and in the tender moments they accompany the soloists very sensitively.

Another nice feature is the inclusion of generous historical notes and the full text.

This is a marvelous recording in every way, and I highly recommend it. Those seeking a more Historically Informed Performance (HIP) in digital sound should investigate an inspired live recording conducted by Jurgen Budday on the K&K label.

Well this is a good piece of music and I must say that I can recommend this CD. Really. Judas Maccabeus is maybe not "top of the line" but you can listen to it.

This is a fabulous recording of one of Handel's best oratorios. Heather Harper and Janet Baker are outstanding. Kudos all around.

This is a well performed CD.All of the solists are first rate, vocally excellent, embodying good oratorio style. The instrumental accompaniment is very fine as well.I have enjoyed listening to this recording.