RECORDINGS

LABEL: DOYEN MASTER SERIES
CATALOG NUMBER: 21140
EAN NUMBER: 5018425011025
NUMBER OF DISCS: 2
RUNNING TIME: UNKNOWN
YEAR RECORDED: 2001
CD RELEASE DATE: MARCH 13, 2006
CONDUCTOR: JOHN PRYCE-JONES
ORCHESTRA: BLACK DYKE BAND
CHOIR: HALIFAX CHORAL SOCIETY
SOPRANO: MARY HEGARTY
MEZZO-SOPRANO: CAROLE WILSON
TENOR: ALED HALL
BASS: GIDON SAKS

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DISC ONE

1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. Comfort ye my people
3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted
4. And the glory of the Lord
5. Thus saith the Lord
6. But who may abide the day of his coming (Version I)
7. Behold, a virgin shall conceive
8. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
9. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
10. The people that walked in darkness
11. For unto us a child is born
12. Pifa ('Pastoral Symphony")
13. There were shepherds abiding in the field
14. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them
15. And the Angel said unto them
16. And suddenly there was with the Angel
17. Glory to God
18. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zioin
19. He shall feed his flock (Version II)

DISC TWO

1. Behold the lamb of God
2. He was despised
3. Surely he hath borne our griefs
4. And with his stripes we are healed
5. All we like sheep have gone astray
6. All they that see Him laugh him to scorn
7. He trusted in God
8. Thy rebuke hath broken his heart
9. Behold and see if there be any sorrow
10. He was cut off out of the land of the living
11. But thou didst not leave his soul in hell
12. Why do the nations so furiously rage together?
13. Let us break their bonds asunder
14. He that dwelleth in Heaven
15. Thou shalt break them
16. Hallejujah
17. I know that my Redeemer liveth
18. Since by man came death
19. Behold, I tell you a mystery
20. The Trumpet shall sound
21. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

SITE RATING:  8/10
SITE REVIEW:  I can't tell you how joyous and refreshing it is to discover a recording of Messiah that not only hews closely to it's baroque roots, but with a simple, but profound recasting, coupled with superb artistry, cleanness and power, completely transforms it into something utterly unique.  The Black Dyke Band, (est. 1855) is an England-based brass band, and under the brilliance of Dr. Denis Wright's arrangement, present Handel's Messiah scored entirely for brass accompianment, along with traditional vocal and choral soloists.  The change in color and presentation from both historically performed and modern instruments is breathtaking;  with Messiah gaining a regal, rich sound utterly unlike any other recording I've ever heard.  The Black Dyke Band is superb in their playing, giving rich, virtuoso performances, startling in their adeptness, light-fingered in their attacks and melismas, and richly recorded.  All this would be for naught however, if the soloists and choir were of a lesser light, but The Halifax Choral Society (which, being established in 1817, promotes itself as the world's oldest choral society) are impressive, rich in nuance and phrasing, and expertly blended with the orchestra.  There are occasional internal blend and intonation issues, which keep this recording from the top of the Messiah echelon, but they are in general small, and I found myself completely won over. The soloists are similarly excellent - and occasional changes in vocal assignments (such as having "But who may abide" sung by the Mezzo-soprano) which are ear-catching and interesting.  The soloist's tessituras are richer than modern tastes might dictate, but I found them each emotionally invested in their solos, and completely proficient.  Conducter John Pryce-Jones' tempos are spot on, with everything seemingly perfect in its place.  But the real selling point of this recording is the chance to hear a work so steeped in familiarity given a new royal sheen, golden, and burnished with warmth.  If  you have not availed yourself of this recording, it is a MUST hear.

The Compleat Messiah All Content Copyright © 2011 Bret D. Wheadon
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