The Compleat Messiah

1. Messiah: Sinfony 2:59

2. Messiah: Comfort ye 2:44

3. Messiah: Ev'ry valley shall be exalted 3:12

4. Messiah: And the glory of the Lord 2:40

5. Messiah: Thus saith the Lord 1:18

6. Messiah: But who may abide 4:24

7. Messiah: And He shall purify 2:17

8. Messiah: Behold, a virgin shall conceive 0:24

9. Messiah: O thou that tellest 5:12

10. Messiah: For behold, darkness shall cover the earth 1:45

11. Messiah: The people that walked in darkness 3:33

12. Messiah: For unto us a child is born 3:45

13. Messiah: Pifa / There were shepherds abiding in the field 1:04

14. Messiah: And lo, the angel of the Lord 0:19

15. Messiah: And the angel said unto them 0:39

16. Messiah: And suddenly there was with the angel 0:19

17. Messiah: Glory to God 1:54

18. Messiah: Rejoice greatly 4:22

19. Messiah: Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened 0:29

20. Messiah: He shall feed his flock 4:41

21. Messiah: His yoke is easy 2:46

1. Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God 2:34

2. Messiah: He was despised 4:08

3. Messiah: Surely He hath borne our griefs 1:50

4. Messiah: And with His stripes we are healed 2:36

5. Messiah: All we, like sheep, have gone astray 3:49

6. Messiah: All they that see Him 0:41

7. Messiah: He trusted in God 2:17

8. Messiah: They rebuke hath broken His heart 1:44

9. Messiah: Behold and see 1:25

10. Messiah: He was cut off 0:20

11. Messiah: But Thou didst not leave 2:17

12. Messiah: Lift up your heads 2:54

13. Messiah: The Lord gave the word 1:04

14. Messiah: How beautiful are the feet 2:02

15. Messiah: Why do the nations rage so furiously together 2:40

16. Messiah: Let us break their bonds asunder 1:36

17. Messiah: He that swelleth in heaven / Thou shalt break them 0:27

18. Messiah: Hallelujah 3:48

19. Messiah: I know that my Redeemer liveth 5:29

20. Messiah: Since by man came death 1:56

21. Messiah: Behold, I tell you a mystery 0:36

22. Messiah: The trumpet shall sound 4:03

23. Messiah: Worthy is the Lamb / Amen 7:55

SITE RATING: 8/10

SITE REVIEW: This 2006 live recording, just recently made available here in the States as an mp3 download, (available in physical CD format at Chaos.com) is an exceptionally clean, bright, historically informed performance that I found quite attractive. Performed by the Adelaide Chamber Singers of South Australia, and conducted by Carl Crossin, the orchestra is apparently one assembled for this performance, and not a 'standing' group, while the solos are shared by multiple members of the Adelaide Singers. Across the board this is a very fine performance, notable for the lightness and nimbleness befitting their numbers. The Adelaide Chamber Singers are excellent; with speed and dexterous phrasing built into their small size, they navigate the choruses with admirable skill. Tempos are kept bright, and the balance between the orchestra and chorus is very good. Soloists are also excellent, with clean, bell-like tones from the sopranos, clear diction, clean melismas, and precise pitch centers. My only quibble is the common one with small, professional groups such as this one, where it feels like style and technique is taking precedence over the meaning of the text, and occasional flaws which can be attributed to the live concert setting. Still, an impressive performance and well worth seeking out for Messiah enthusiasts.