George Frideric Handel: Messiah (1987)

Among traditional, large ensemble versions of George Frederick Handel's Messiah, this 1986 recording by Andrew Davis and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has held up rather well over the years and has become a favorite for many listeners. While not pretending to be an authentic Baroque performance -- Davis conducts the large Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, rather than a smaller-sized choral group, and the orchestra plays modern instruments and is fully staffed -- there are nonetheless crisp rhythms, clean lines, and evenly blended ... Read More

Among traditional, large ensemble versions of George Frederick Handel's Messiah, this 1986 recording by Andrew Davis and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has held up rather well over the years and has become a favorite for many listeners. While not pretending to be an authentic Baroque performance -- Davis conducts the large Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, rather than a smaller-sized choral group, and the orchestra plays modern instruments and is fully staffed -- there are nonetheless crisp rhythms, clean lines, and evenly blended harmonies that make the choruses feel light and limber and not at all stodgy. In terms of articulation and ornamentation, this rendition has few embellishments or period touches and is generally straightforward in execution, so no one could mistake it for any of the historically informed recordings of, say, William Christie, Trevor Pinnock, or Christopher Hogwood. Apart from matters of interpretation and style, many listeners will want to hear this Messiah for the outstanding vocal... Read Less