Handel: Messiah

Kiri Te Kanawa (Artist), Keith Lewis (Artist), Anne Gjevang (Artist), Gwynne Howell (Artist), George Frideric Handel (Composer), Sir Georg Solti (Conductor), Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
• Conductor: Sir Georg Solti
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041Q8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,316 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Te Kanawa, Kiri
  • #97 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Oratorios

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate and polished performance of Handels masterpiece., December 17, 1999

By 

Mike Powers "mkp51" (Woolwich, ME USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (Audio CD)

Of the many recordings of "Messiah" I've heard over the years, I find this is to be the finest. Sir Georg Solti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a superbly polished and yet breathtakingly exciting performace. Solti had a reputation for insisting on slightly faster tempos in the works he conducted, and this true for this 1987 version of "Messiah." I found his up-tempo approach to add tremendous vitality, freshness, and immediacy to the performance. The soloists are outstanding, especially soprano Kiri te Kanawa and tenor Keith Lewis, and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Margaret Hillis, sings with almost overwhelming passion, power and clarity.

For those who love what may be inarguably the greatest oratorio ever composed, and prefer to hear it performed with modern instruments and a large chorus, I highly recommend this as the best recording I have yet found.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDROUS RECORDING!, January 13, 2000

By 

J.F. Kluender (Shakopee, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (Audio CD)

This is by far my favorite recording of the Messiah! I'll admit openly that I prefer a large choir and modern orchestra, and this one is superb. The instrumentation is crisp and clear. The singing is crisp and clear. Technically, I feel that the mix of orchestra/vocals is well done. Too often in other recordings, either voice or orchestra is sacrificed at the expense of the other. The least powerful of the soloists is the alto, Gjevang, and at that she is still quite good. The other three are absolutely outstanding. I highly recommend this recording if you are interested in a spiritually moving and stunning work. As a music lover, I was amazed. As a Christian, I was deeply moved and blessed.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Choruses are magnificent..., November 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Handel: Messiah (Audio CD)

Although this recording is a bit overblown, especially in the more peaceful moments, the fine singing and heaven-storming choruses are a must. And the choruses have clear diction too. Te Kanawa is not only a beautiful voice, but her characterization is also perfect. I only wish that the sinfonia which opens this oratorio was better played, the Chicago symphony sounds a little too harsh for my taste. For a more chamber-sized recording, there is a good set by Shaw. But don't miss Solti's Messiah, it's the most passionate recording I've ever heard. And while you're at it, there are nearly a dozen other great Handel oratorios to get also, and many great operas too.