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!


A Solid, Affordable, Joyous Recording of a Masterpiece   December 2, 2003
 58 out of 61 found this review helpful

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.


Get a different recording!   December 23, 2003
 29 out of 46 found this review helpful

I'm not a connoisseur of Messiah recordings, but I have played in community orchestras, and so count myself as somewhat familiar with the music.
I'm not much impressed by this recording, which must have been made in a large, empty hall. The sound, particularly of the orchestra, is soupy and unclear, and the chorus' phrasing unintelligible. The soloists are fine, except the baritone, who wallows terribly. Overall, a languorous performance I regret having bought.


A Masterpiece From The Master Of The Chorus   June 28, 2004
 22 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is the ultimate studio recording of Handel's oratorio The Messiah. On compact disc, the lengthy masterpiece is dynamic and heavenly under the baton of chorus conductor John Alldis. Alldis has conducted opera choruses mostly, but he has conducted many fine choral works and with Handel's Messiah he proves he is an artist of versatility and strength. The spiritual epic Messiah is the greatest oratorio ever written. A large-scale work, its music is taken from the Bible and deals with the life and death of Jesus Christ. The famous "Hallelujah" chorus is always appropriate on Christmas as is all the second part. The first part is usually associated with Easter. The singers in this recording are obscure but very talented and quite sensational. The tenor singing "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted" is incredible and the best moments for the soprano come in the second disc when she sings the arias "How Beautiful Is The Feet Of Them" and
"I Know My Redeemer Liveth" as well as Act I's "Rejoice Greatly O Daughter of Zion". The choruses are radiant with spiritual glory and Handel's music is well interpreted by the London Philharmonic. Handel knew this was his greatest work, his masterpiece. The first performance of The Messiah was designed to benefit a charity. Also, when King George first heard the Hallelujah he stood up on his feet and started the tradition ever since. When Handel died, he requested the soprano aria "I Know My Reedemer Liveth" be written on his tombstone and sung at his funeral. He felt that aria and music expressed everything he had set out to do as a composer. On this album, we get the best and I highly recommend it. Spiritual, profound, inspirational, it is a work of sublime beauty and splendor, the greatest work for God ever made.