| Originally Posted by jamont Others I like are Davis (Philips) and Shaw (RCA), both from the '60s. Shaw's recording was out of print for many years, but has been recently reissued. |
| Originally Posted by mbhaub It's got to be Beecham's last. Great cast (Vickers, Tozzi) great orchestra (Prout & Beecham & Goosens). Sounds like Mahler gone nuts. I think Kitsch applies here. But boy, does it work! 2nd choice has to be Andrew Davis -- really exciting stuff. Neither is historically accurate, and I love it! |
| Originally Posted by Dominic My favourite is most definitely Gardiner's recording. It's worth every penny that one pays for it. The sound resolution and recording quality are simply excellent, and the piece exceedingly well portrayed. What particularly takes my fancy, however, is that one hears in stark clarity all of the earthy undertones from the organ. I just can't help thinking that if Handel could have it performed, Gardiner's version would be how he'd do it! I've been listening to it from about the age of two (my parents both liked/like classical music), and, being sixteen now, still enjoy listening to it on a regular basis. Its genius simply isn't diminished over time! |
| Originally Posted by DarkAngel Thanks for ideas brothers and sisters, now to survey the damage to my wallet this has caused. I ordered a couple more used Messiahs for collection from Amazon: McCreesh/Archiv Beecham/RCA 
Mainly got those because my reasearch leads me to believe each is somewhat maverick version that will push envelope a bit beyond established standards.......they will join current collection of: Christie/Harmonia Mundi Hogwood/Lyre Pinnock/Archiv Richter/DG (highlights 1CD) Solti/Penguin Classics (highlights 1CD) Would love to see Gardiner do a new Messiah with better soloist team and modern sound vs 1982 Phillips version which is very expensive 3CD version even used.......can't justify cost, actually bought both Messiahs above for less than Gardiner used! Perhaps Phillips should have released this on mid price remastered "50 Greatest" series like they did for Gardiner's Water Music/Royal Fireworks CD. |
| Originally Posted by mbhaub It's that time of year to wake up this thread. Since the last postings there's been a major change in the Messiah scene: Harnoncourt on Sony/BMG with Concentus Musicus Wien. Yes, it's an "authentic" performance. Small orchestra, small choir. Yes, it works. It's thrilling! Extremely musical. Doesn't drag. Beautiful job. It's not Beecham (what is?), but it sure strips away centuries of abuse by Mozart, Prout, and others. The SACD sound is enthralling. Best of all, the hybrid 2-disk set is priced as one disk! If you like this music, do yourself a favor and buy it. All Messiah enthusiasts need to hear this recording. |
| Originally Posted by Dominic DarkAngel, have you tried the Gardiner one yet? If so, what's your verdict on it? - Dominic |
