After the usual Christmas repast, some people might like to feast their ears on some fine music. These are recent releases.
This version of Handel's most popular oratorio - probably his most popular work - was recorded in Canada back in 1986 but has been well worth reissuing with extra clarity because of the fine soloists with the Toronto orchestra (and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir), well directed by Davis in a very nimble and moving performance.
Contralto Kathleen Battle stands out in If God Be For Us and And Lo the Angel of the Lord. John Aler, the tenor, and Samuel Ramey, the coloratura bass, also impress in the clear recordings.
There are many recordings of Messiah but this stands the real test of time, culminating in its final glorious Hallelujah. Battle floats into the duet He shall feed his flock in a way that could make all listeners believe in angels.
A reissue of another Christmas classical favourite, and one performed in Dunedin recently.
This was recorded in 1977 and features a stellar cast of soloists: Elly Ameling (soprano), Janet Baker (alto), Robert Tear (tenor) and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (bass).
The superb British choir is supported by equally renowned Academy of St Martin in the Fields orchestra.
The oratorio is not the usual self-contained work but six cantatas for different services that can, as intended, be enjoyed separately over six days from Christmas Day to Epiphany.
The recorded sound hints its age but musical quality is of the highest order.
Like the Messiah (above), there are no accompanying texts provided nor translation for Bach's use of German. The booklets are disappointingly slim.
The Auckland-based choir has made two previous CDs and this latest one has 20 Christmas carols and other seasonal items performed with skill and joy.
They range from Jingle Bells to two different settings of O Little Town of Bethlehem (one arranged by Vaughan Williams and the other by Dunedin's Richard Madden.) There is also a new David Hamilton arrangement of Te Harinui, by Willow Macky.
The spacious acoustic of the Auckland Grammar School Hall was used by the choir and a Rodgers digital organ employed makes a splendid sound, as does the Auckland brass quintet used to back the concluding item - a five-part setting by Renaissance Dutch composer Sweelinck of Hodie Christus natus est (Today Jesus is born), part of the Vespers for Christmas Day.
- Geoff Adams.
