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Epicurus.com - Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock
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List Price: $33.98
Our Price: $30.49
Your Save: $ 3.49 ( 10% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0028942363021
Label: Archiv Produktion
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
Number Of Discs: 2
Publisher: Archiv Produktion
Release Date: 1990-10-25
Studio: Archiv Produktion
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Editorial Reviews:
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This is a terrific performance of Messiah. Not only are the soloists all superb, but Trevor Pinnock completely contradicts the image of many period instrument performances as small-scale, scrappy affairs. Indeed, he invests the choruses with as much genuine Handelian pomp as Beecham at his most extravagant. The trumpets really blaze, and the timpani thunder, and everyone simply has a great time. A joyous performance, just right for the holiday season. --David Hurwitz
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Simply the best Messias I know
Comment: If you like Handel's Messias and want a definitive record, this is your choice!!
I recommend!
Customer Rating: 
Summary: a voice teacher and early music fan
Comment: AUGER AND CHANCE ENCHANT AND ENTRANCE.
The English passion for oratorio is largely due to Handel. Every year from 1738 to 1751, he produced at least one. The 'Messiah' is THE modern oratorio, not only because of the custom of rising and stretching in the seventh inning, when the 'Hallelujah Chorus' is sung, but because of its magnificent choruses, soaring arias and orchestral accompaniment which are truly thrilling.
And that is precisely why I would not give this rendition five stars. It is incredibly 'laid back' and too 'cold' for my taste. However. let's examine the soloist's contributions one by one, for some of this overall impression has a great deal to do with them.
John Tomlinson (bass)- excellent technique with good emotional investment; tone quality unusual (I didn't like it) and rather rough-sounding.
Howard Crook (tenor) very oramented delivery overall; somewhat overdone at times, but otherwise, well done with good vocal resonance and upbeat style.
Anne Sofie von Otter (contralto)-after hearing Chance, she is a big let-down. She had that highly emotional and lengthy solo 'He was despised', and she could have been singing' 'take me out to the ball game' for all the emotion she sent out to the listener. While she is certainly more than adequate in her other arias on this recording, nevertheless, she lacks the power that Chance maintains throughout.
Michael Chance (countertenor)-Excellent, as per usual, lovely sound throughout, mega emotional investment. Always the perfectionist!!!!
Arlene Auger (soprano) Superb in every way; her voice is the ultimate in every way: exciting, sonorous, emotional, smooth and clear as crystal. I have never heard 'Rejoice Greatly' sung any better!!!
Chorus: nice sound, but rather bland; tempos somewhat slower overall. Excellent diction throughout, just not the most exciting of my many 'Messiah's'.
For real excitement try the 'live' performance from Maulbronn Monastery with Jurgen Budday!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Arleen Auger Helps Keep This Messiah at the Top of My List
Comment: I won't repeat all the positive observations made by others about this enduringly fine recording in affirming it's one of two of which I never tire. As others have noted, its uniform excellence is one of its greatest attractions. Above all the purity and clarity of Arleen Auger's voice in the soprano solos, so well known and therefore rather unforgiving in the demands made upon them, makes me reach for it among the dozen or so I currently own.
I've been to hear live Messiah performances and listened to recordings for 43 years now, and sometimes it seems the changing fashions in performance practice, especially of Bach and Handel, define my life development too. I think Handel would have liked this performance, and been very pleased with Pinnock's choices and his soloists. Pinnock avoids pushing too hard in making his points for his performance choices, and perhaps that's another central reason why this recording never grows tiresome.
The other recording I enjoy as much is Mackerras's 1966 recording with Elizabeth Harwood and Janet Baker. I had never heard the "Rejoice!" done in 12/8 before,and have had a preference for it ever since. Harwood adds a touch of pleasing dramatic engagement Auger sometimes lacks, but for which she makes up in the purity of tone. Handel: Messiah / Harwood, J. Baker, Esswood, Tear, Herincx; Mackerras
For me the only comparable "He was Despised" recordings besides Dame Janet's here, are Lorraine Hunt Lieberson Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias and the ever-dear LP copies of Kathleen Ferrier.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The best of the best!
Comment: Of all the many versions of Handel's MESSIAH available today, this is perhaps the very best. The overnight delivery was wonderful. Thanks very much.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Now my benchmark Messiah recording
Comment: The two previous reviewers have done an excellent job of summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of this recording. Von Otter shines in this recording, and Tomlinson's bass is approachably period-correct -- a heavy booming bass soloist is not called for here.
On a personal note, I grew up with the Gardiner recording and purchased this Trevor Pinnock version several years ago. Last Christmas I put the Gardiner on the turntable for a listen, and found it staid...overly stiff in comparison with the Pinnock recording. While this may not be surprising to the cognoscenti, it may be helpful information for those who are seeking a dancing, light, and truly emotive performance.
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