Messiah (George Frederick Handel) London Philharmonic Orchestra

Handel (Artist), London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra (Artist), Alldis (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 12, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sparrow
• ASIN: B000062T9E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,307 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

211 of 214 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glory of the Lord...., October 24, 2002

By	W. M. Robbins "The Badger" (The Beautiful Blue Ridge) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

George Frederick Handel's Messiah is certainly one of the World's most beautiful musical compositions, and this recording is one of the best performances of this work. Conducted by John Aldis, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir are absolutely heavenly. Equally wonderful are the soloists: Felicity Lott, Alfreda Hodgson, Phillip Langridge and Ulrik Cold.
While not performed on period instruments or exactly in the manner which Handel had in mind when he composed The Messiah, (for a more faithful performance I recommend Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music(UK) with soloists Paul Elliot, Emma Kirkby, Carolyn Watkinson and Judy Nelson) this traditional rendition certainly does the work justice. Each chorus is glorious, with a huge yet perfectly tuned sound, and the soloists soar.
This CD is a beautiful listening experience, and while I recommend having the more faithful period recording mentioned earlier as well, do not deny yourself the opportunity to experience this larger, more glorifying performance.

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Messiah, March 23, 2002

By	Heather B. "heather, reader" (Utah, USA) - See all my reviews

As noted above, this two CD recording is pretty much the "complete" Messiah (numbers 34-37 are the only omission). Recorded by the London Philharmonic orchestra and choir, this is a very solid version of Handel's extraordinary work.

The Philharmonic does not attempt a period performance; instead, they present a modern interpretation with a traditional flavor. The orchestra is marvelous and the choir is completely on, even in the difficult runs of "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" and "All We Like Sheep." My only complaint is about the latter song: the choir sings so quickly, it feels like they are rushing to get to the end.

I would recommend this recording for anyone interested in owning the entire Messiah. It's faithful and complete. I love my copy!

59 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid, Affordable, Joyous Recording of a Masterpiece, December 2, 2003

By	Martin W. Eldred (Eagle River, AK United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If I were to recommend just one recording of The Messiah, this would be the one. I have owned and enjoyed this particular recording for many years, first as a four LP set(circa 1980)and now in this CD reissue. You can spend a great deal of money on a recording of The Messiah, but in my opinion, you will rarely get a better performance than this one.

Devotees of The Messiah generally fall into two basic categories: those who prefer a more "modern" approach (bigger chorus and orchestra with modern instruments) and those who prefer a "period" recording more similar to Handel's original (smaller ensembles and period instruments). I actually appreciate both for different reasons. This particular recording, however, is one of the very best of the more modern type, the type most people are used to hearing.

That being said, this is a great, affordable "mainstream" recording of The Messiah that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a dependable, accessible and pleasant recording of this classic. The soloists are first-rate, as are the chorus and orchestra, and conductor Allis gives a steady hand that gives a Messiah that is neither too broad and romantic (as many recordings do) nor too tight and quirky that most listeners would find strange (as many "authentic" recordings can be at times). It is a joy to listen to and will remain so for years and years.