Customer Reviews

Handel: Messiah

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

 

 

Lynne Dawson's "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" is in itself worth the price of this recording. I own more than 30 complete Messiahs, and her Redeemer is by far the best on the allegedly-historical instrument recordings.

This isn't Dawson singing Handel. It's Handel speaking to us through Dawson. Her technique, diction, and ornamentation are magnificent. But what really distiguishes her is her selfless sincerity. If you buy this one, you will always be glad you did.

Handel's intent for this work was to use a modest sized orchestra and relatively small chorus.

Unfortunately, many if not MOST of today's performances of the Messiah are of the grandiose, Victorian interpretation and have led the casual listener to expect a LOUD and POWERFUL rendition. This same listener is probably not offended in the least by "Sing-along Messiahs". However, this is far from the baroque style intended by Handel.

Having said that, I was pleased to find a recording more closely in line with Handel's intent. Certain things should not be altered, and the Messiah is one of those things. If you are looking for a high quality recording with wonderful musicians in the style intended by the composer, you cannot go wrong with this CD.

This recording has really grown on me. Lynne Dawson is as wonderful as other reviewers on this page have testified, but the whole performance is excellent. Yes, it is small scale, but that simply adds to the sense of wonder of Messiah's many intimate moments. All the performance lacks is just a little extra punch here and there, that last ounce of excitement - otherwise the orchestra and choir perform with clarity and brightness. A recording well worth getting to know.

A valiant effort by a small orchestra and chorus. But to my ear the Cleobury performance in King's Chapel, Cambridge, carries far more purity of sound, helped along by the marvelous acoustics (and the recording engineers) of King's. This Harry Christophers version would have done well with the addition of a harpsichord for the continuo and, again for my ear, the gentleness of the boys' voices was very much missed.

Lynn Dawson gives a very professional performance but without her much finer touch some 8 years later at King's. All in all, a third or fourth place among more recent Messiah recordings.

The orchestra here really is a weak point. The number of players must be small. The choir is nice, agile, but what is best, is Lynne Dawson. Her voice is full of joy. Her voice IS joy.

I have not heard a better soprano soloist in any Messiah.