Search - George Frederick Handel, Robert Conant, Robert Shaw Orchestra :: Handel: Messiah

Handel: Messiah
George Frederick Handel, Robert Conant, Robert Shaw Orchestra
Handel: Messiah
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (23) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (30) - Disc #2

Every year brings a slew of new and reissued versions of this most beloved of Handel's works. This one first saw daylight in 1966, but lest you think it's outdated, this refurbished classic remains a source of listening pl...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: George Frederick Handel, Robert Conant, Robert Shaw Orchestra, Robert Arnold, Judith Raskin, Richard Lewis
Title: Handel: Messiah
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: RCA
Release Date: 10/12/2004
Album Type: Original recording remastered
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 828766231724

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Every year brings a slew of new and reissued versions of this most beloved of Handel's works. This one first saw daylight in 1966, but lest you think it's outdated, this refurbished classic remains a source of listening pleasure. Obviously, it cannot reflect the historically informed performance practices of today. But it is one of the pioneering precursors of contemporary style, with sustained forward momentum, dancing rhythms, and an orchestra slimmed down from the prevailing norms of the 1960s. The singing is fine, with special kudos to the high-flying soprano, Judith Raskin, along with Florence Kopleff, a true alto, and Richard Lewis, a premier Handelian of the period. It also has what all Robert Shaw choral recordings have: first-rate choral singing and an emotional immediacy that goes to the heart of the music's message. I had to tilt the balance control to the left to bring the stage picture into focus, but once that was done, pure bliss followed. --Dan Davis
 

CD Reviews

Finally!!!
A. Craig | Grand Junction,CO | 10/23/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Finally RCA has released on Compact Disc Robert Shaw's first



recording of Handel's Oratorio Messiah. This is a classic



performance of this work. It stands head and shoulders above



both of the Sony (Columbia Masterworks)(Ormandy and Bernstein)



recordings from the same decade. It has something a number of



other Messiah recordings lack heart and soul and feeling, the



performers aren't just singing this work, they are participating



in it."
Finally on Compact Disc!
Paul Bunkerr | New London, CT USA | 11/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first recording of Messiah I ever purchased, back in 1966. This Shaw performance was a big deal back then, as it represented the first real "period" performance practice version with its scaled down instrumental and choral forces - compared to the overblown Ormandy version, for example. The original vinyl discs imparted a muted dynamic range as I recall, so this splendid digitally-remastered release is truly stunning compared to the original. Of particular note is the gorgeous vocal work of soporano Judith Raskin, one of the most beautiful voices to appear on any recording of Messiah, and contralto Florence Kopleff whose vocal agility and sheen are something to behold. This is one of the best modern instrument Messiahs available today."
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Irvin H. Murrell, Jr. | Graceville, Florida United States | 11/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I SAW the Shaw Chorale perform this, 4/7/66, at Winthrop College, Rock Hill, SC. (They received a 15-minute standing ovation at the end.) This is the best Messiah recording to date,and will continue to be for many years to come."