Customer Reviews

Handel: Messiah [Germany]

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TREVOR PINNOCK'S "MESSIAH" MEMORABLE AND MOVING!
The "Messiah" was composed by Handel in the late summer of 1741. Charles Jennens describes his libiretto for the 'Messiah' as a 'Scripture Collection', because it consists of a cleverly-arranged selection of biblical texts.

In his 'Messiah' Handel combines the sheer grandeur and power of his German roots with the color of his Italian experience, joining with the unique flavor of the English language. His music can thus be powerful, like the tenor arioso 'Thou shalt break them with a rod and iron', or it can be colorful and skippy like the wonderful 'For unto us a Child is Born', or it can be stirring and majestic llike the 'Hallelujah' and 'Amen' choruses.

Musically speaking, the recitatives and arias are definitely in a style derived from opera, supplemented by choruses of the type Handel has developed in his English odes and oratorios. The work is divided into three acts or parts, but the narrative is largely confined to Part Two. Part One is mainly concerned with prophecy and its fullfilment and Part Three with commentary on the importance of the previous story.

The really inspiring part of this recording, from my own point view, is Pinnock's choice of soloists: Arleen Auger(soprano) who sings so beautifully that one does not care WHAT she sings, you just want her to continue!!!!. Anne Sofie von Otter(contralto) is never quite satisfying to me in her emotional investment, but no one can deny her skill in this genre. Michael Chance (countertenor) is the epitome of intense dramatic interpretation and all sung with that incredibly lovely voice. Howard Crook (tenor) has great resonance and a tasty vibrato as is evidenced by his beautifull aria "Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted". John Tomlinson (bass) convinced me of his skill in his rendition of "Why do the nations so furiously rage".

Some of Pinnock's tempos seemed to be a little on the slow side, which may be responsible for the chorus 'bogging down'at times, but overall they did a good job of interpreting and singing in a typical 'Handelian' style. Thus English Concert & Choir did their part in making this a memorable listening experience.

There are many 'Messiahs' out there, and no two sound the same, so go for what YOU prefer because none of them are totally bad OR totally good. EXAMPLE: If you want 'razzle-dazzle' tremendously exciting choral work, go for John Eliot Gardiner's recording ( I don't much care for the soloists in that one, but there is a lot of choral work to enjoy. If you want a very 'British Choir' sound with all-male voices performing beautfully throughout, go for the New College Choir of Oxford, AND if you want the most interesting and unique interpretation try Maulbronn Monestery's LIVE performance with Budday: JUST GREAT LISTENING. ETC. ETC. ETC.

If you like Handel's Messias and want a definitive record, this is your choice!!

I recommend!