Search - Victor Ledbetter, George Frederick Handel, Martin Pearlman :: Handel: Messiah [Highlights]

Performed with a freshness and vitality that is unmatched

03/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is no wonder that Classic CD, the definitive English publication, rated this recording the best of all -- yes, all -- the recordings of the Messiah. The clarity of tone, the vibrancy and vitality of the orchestra, the superb chorus (something for which Boston Baroque is particularly known), and the outstanding soloists make this a recording that is unmatched. When it was released, it was nominated for a Grammy as the best choral work of the year, as was Boston Baroque's recent recording of Monteverdi's Vespers."

Hallelujah! - The Recording to Have.

D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 06/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I could own only one version of the Messiah, this would be it! Other copies I own emphasize either lyricism and spirituality or pomp and grandeur. But only with Pearlman and the Boston Baroque does Handel's masterpiece POP! The period instruments are feather light and the period tempi are lightning quick. The chorus is small & intimate but precise and powerful. They deliver the most tender 'And He shall purify' which culminates in perfect jubilation. The soloists are stellar! The soprano part can often be a let-down in the Messiah. Not so here. Karen Clift, as Anna Russell would say, has a pure, clear blue, nymphs and shepherds tone that floats through her solos like a silver lining. I cannot say enough about mezzo-soprano, Catherine Robbin, who possesses a fascinating (dare I say) coloratura technique that fixes me every time I hear her. Tenor, Bruce Fowler is magnificently effortless. Victor Ledbetter brings his equally irresistible, ringing baritone into play to round out the perfect cast. The success of this recording, above all else, is the blend. The orchestra, chorus and soloists are balanced seamlessly. You have aural access to everyone as if they were performing in your own living room. The chamber proportions have an intensity that larger, modern ensembles simply cannot match. The Messiah's intricate beauty is never lost in the shuffle or masked by the chorus. This recording is a unified whole: delicate, satisfying, fun and damn near incredible. Handel would be proud!"

THE Messiah

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 12/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, it is "Messiah", not "The Messiah" that is the title of this great work of music. But this recording is "the" Messiah recording to have. Hands down. I think I've sung this work in various choirs over 20 times. And I have had many recordings, Baroque-style, full orchestral, you name it. But this recording is still my favorite. In particular, the "Air: He shall feed His flock like a shepherd" sung by both Clift and mezzo Catherine Robbin was what decided me that this was THE one.There is no sample here of that section of the work so you will have to trust me on this one; if you love "Messiah" this is one recording that does it full justice."