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258 of 261 found the following review helpful:
 Glory of the Lord....Oct 24, 2002
By W. M. Robbins
"The Badger"
George Frederick Handel's Messiah is certainly one of the World's most beautiful musical compositions, and this recording is one of the best performances of this work. Conducted by John Aldis, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir are absolutely heavenly. Equally wonderful are the soloists: Felicity Lott, Alfreda Hodgson, Phillip Langridge and Ulrik Cold.
While not performed on period instruments or exactly in the manner which Handel had in mind when he composed The Messiah, (for a more faithful performance I recommend Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music(UK) with soloists Paul Elliot, Emma Kirkby, Carolyn Watkinson and Judy Nelson) this traditional rendition certainly does the work justice. Each chorus is glorious, with a huge yet perfectly tuned sound, and the soloists soar.
This CD is a beautiful listening experience, and while I recommend having the more faithful period recording mentioned earlier as well, do not deny yourself the opportunity to experience this larger, more glorifying performance.
121 of 123 found the following review helpful:
 The Complete MessiahMar 23, 2002
By Heather B.
"heather, reader"
As noted above, this two CD recording is pretty much the "complete" Messiah (numbers 34-37 are the only omission). Recorded by the London Philharmonic orchestra and choir, this is a very solid version of Handel's extraordinary work.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!
84 of 87 found the following review helpful:
A Solid, Affordable, Joyous Recording of a MasterpieceDec 02, 2003
By Martin W. Eldred
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.
27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Genuinely WonderfulOct 03, 2005
By LauraGrace
This recording of Handel's Messiah showcases Felicity Lott, whose voice has an wonderfully warm and rich quality (unusual for a soprano) -- particularly on "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," a song with which I am tolerably familiar as a soprano soloist. In fact, the entire recording's tone resonates with warmth. The only fault lies in the fact that #34-37 are omitted, including one of my favorite pieces, "And He Shall Purify;" hence four stars instead of five. But leaving aside that omission, the orchestral performance is outstanding, the chorus is very good, and the soloists, especially Ms. Lott, are delightful.
20 of 20 found the following review helpful:
Still the One I Enjoy MostMar 29, 2007
By E-Mat
"E-Mat"
I own the original CD release of this version conducted by Alldis;
I've been enjoying it ever since I got it.
I used to be disappointed that it was missing some of Handel's material; so I got the Sir Colin Davis version, which is exhaustive and supposed to be really good... It's pretty good, but this Alldis version is definitely more enjoyable. And now I think I can see why that other material gets left out; it looks like good libretto, but in general those parts are the least enjoyable musically and the most redundant for theme progression.
In the Alldis version, my favorite choruses like "And He Shall Purify" are clear and powerful. The solos are more approachable. All the singing is convincing, as though the singers are wholly embracing both their words and their musical approach. I sense them owning everything they are doing. And I love the use of organ as accents. I can imagine Handel conducting from a keyboard in heaven.
I admit I probably haven't listened to more than half a dozen versions, but until someone introduces me to a better one, this is by far the most enjoyable classical version to a contemporary listener, but I think even Handel would be appreciative. So buy it, listen to it, and enjoy it forever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever, forever and ever, forever and ever. Amen, amen, amen...
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