SITE RATING: 8/10
SITE
REVIEW: Visually, this
is one of the most impressive Messiahs
to be caught on film, with excellent camera
work capturing this splendid, high-class
performance, which celebrated the 250th
Anniversary of the oratorio's premiere.
Performed in Dublin, and with Sir
Neville Marriner, the Academy and Chorus of St
Martin in the Fields, and a host of "A"-level
soloists filling out the bill, the peformances
are uniformly fine, if a bit stiff.
Still, it's nice not to have the
soloists staring right into the camera lens
while singing, and the rest of the performers
all sing with great style and aplomb.
The bonus documentary "Now and Forever"
featuring Sir Neville Marriner and Professor
Robbins Landon is a short, succinct overview
of Messiah's creation, with Sir Neville
Marriner giving first-hand accounts of his
study of Handel's original manuscript in
preparation for this concert. While not
comprehensive, it's a very nice addition to
the concert, and this video can easily be
recommended for those wishing to see a
professional, polished Messiah.
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