Handel: Messiah
Tafelmusik Media TMK-1016 (2 CDs)
Handel: Messiah: Excerpts from Part One (21:04)
Karina Gauvin, soprano; Robin Blaze, countertenor; Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir / Ivars Taurins
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir present an intimate and stirring performance of Handel’s masterpiece. This recording of the full score on period instruments features a stellar cast of soloists – Karina Gauvin, Robin Blaze, Rufus Müller and Brett Polegato. Tafelmusik recreates the spirit and vitality of Handel’s own 18th-century productions.
Handel: Messiah,
This is an excellent rendition of Handel’s great oratorio. It reminds me a great deal of that done by the Scholars Baroque Ensemble (David Asch, et al) back in 1992 (recorded on Naxos). I still prefer the 1992 version, but this one is also what some might call a minimalist version and much truer to Handel’s vision of the piece, rather than the ever so prevalent overblown performances that one more frequently encounters.