Handel's Messiah

Starring:Upper Galilee Choir, Ranaana Symphonette, John McCracken
Director: Douglas Coppi
Studio: Curtain Call Productions
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
THE PERFECT EASTER GIFT!!

NOVEMBER 20, 2003: CURTAIN CALL PRODUCTIONS RELEASES THE WORLD'S FIRST EVER 5.1 DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND DVD OF HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" PERFORMED AND RECORDED LIVE ALONG THE SEA OF GALILEE.

In the midst of a time when reconciliation seems so difficult, marvel at this event where a Jewish choir and orchestra perform a Christian masterpiece in a German Benedictine Church marking the site of Jesus Christ's miracle of feeding the 5,000.

Customer Reviews:

OUTSTANDING AND SUPERB PERFORMANCE.......2007-06-20

This is the best performance of Handel's Messiah I've ever listen and seen. Part of the excellent performance is due to the coordination of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chorus and orchestra, they know very well each other.Soloist are good, specially Mr. Loyd the bass. Takes of the cameras are well done and selectively , alternating the orchestra, solosit and chorus at the just precise moment.I strongly recommend you to buy it. It is a must to have in your collection.

good stuff.......2007-01-06

I love how easy it is to purchase many items on amazon. dale

Fine Messiah Performance.......2006-11-28

Sir Neville and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra and Choir put forth a fine performance celebrating 250 years of the Messiah.
The orchestra plays with passion and pace is great throughout.

Soloists are most adequate, but highlighted for this reviewer by exceptional efforts by Soprano McNair and Tenor Hadley.

The extra feature of professor discussing various historical issues regarding Handel and Messiah is nice addition to have.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-21

The English passion for oratorio is largely due to Handel. Every year from 1738 to 1751, he produced at least one. "The Messiah" is THE MODERN ORATORIO,not only because the custom of rising and stretching in the seventh inning, when the "Hallelujah Chorus" is sung, but because its magnificent choruses, soaring arias and orchestral accompaniment are truly thrilling. Handel's oratorios,more dramatic than any previously written, were like operas, save that they were given without scenery and costumes.I'm giving this 5 stars because of the superior singing of Michael Chance and the excellent performance of the chorus and orchestra. I was annoyed by the bass voice of Robert Lloyd who had a very "muddy" sound and strange sounding diction. Jerry Hadley's voice is more suited to show tunes than to Handel. Sylvia McNair (soprano) and Anne Sofie von Otter did their usual fine interpretations , but just for once I would like to hear all of the alto solos sung by a countertenor. Handel chose to use castrati singers for most of his roles, both in opera and oratorios, so why do we have to hear a female voice singing "He Was Despised" etc.. I do notice, however, that many modern day orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra last December did not use a female alto soloist; they chose Michael Chance to do all of the alto solos. I noticed that many other areas did likewise use countertenors in place of females. Of course, the soprano must retain the usual solos. This is a well-done DVD. The viewing is good for all the soloists and good close-ups are included of the orchestra and chorus.

¡ÒÃºÑ¹·Ö¡àÊÕÂ§ÂÍ'àÂÕèÂÁ ,¹Ñ¡ÃéÍ§½ÕÁ×Í'Õ.......2003-10-30

¼Áä'éà¤Â«×éÍá¼è¹¹ÕéÁÒáÅéÇ ã¹ÃÙ»áºº Laser Disc µèÍÁÒä'é¢ÒÂä» ¨¹¡ÃÐ·Ñè§ä'é¾ºá¼è¹¹Õé release àÁ×èÍ 14 µ.¤.46 ¨Ö§ä'éÃÕº Order ÁÒ·Ñ¹·Õ ....áÅéÇ¾ºÇèÒ ¤ÇÒÁà»ç¹àÅÔÈ·Ñé§»Ç§¢Í§á¼è¹¹Õé ÂÑ§¤§ÍÂÙè¤Ãº¶éÇ¹ äÁèÇèÒ¨Ðà»ç¹àÇ·ÕàÊÕÂ§·Õè¡ÇéÒ§ , ¤Ø³ÀÒ¾¢Í§¡ÒÃºÑ¹·Ö¡ , ¡ÒÃ¨Ñ'áÊ§ áÅÐ·ÕèÊÓ¤Ñ ¤×Í ¹Ñ¡ÃéÍ§·Õè½ÕÁ×ÍÊÙ§ ,Soprano ¹Ñé¹ ÃéÍ§ä'éÍÂèÒ§»ÃÒ³ÕµÂÔè§¹Ñ¡ , àÊÕÂ§ Bass ¢Í§ LLoyd ¡çÅ§µèÓáÅÐÁÑè¹¤§ , ·èÍ¹ The Trumpet shall sound ¹Ñé¹ ¿Ñ§ä'éÍÂèÒ§äÁèÃÙéàº×èÍ ·Ã§¾ÅÑ§àËÅ×Íà¡Ô¹ ....ÊÃØ»áÅéÇ à»ç¹á¼è¹ Messiah ·Õè·èÒ¹µéÍ§äÁè¾ÅÒ' äÁèÇèÒ·èÒ¹¨ÐÁÕÍÂÙè¡Õèá¼è¹áÅéÇ¡çµÒÁ.

Handel - Messiah / Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Elliott, David Thomas, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Abbey

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Performance, Poor Videography...
Excellent DVD, original sound, instruments; nice soloists, chorus
Dec 23, 2006 Total waste of 28.00
Great performances, poor camera work AND poor audio
Great performance! Poor camera work.

Handel - Messiah / Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Elliott, David Thomas, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Abbey
Starring: Christopher Hogwood , and Emma Kirkby
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium)
Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Claron McFadden, Bernarda Fink, Christoph Genz, Dietrich Henschel, John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir
Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields
Carols From King's / Choir of King's College, Cambridge · Stephen Cleobury
Mozart - Requiem & Mass in C Minor

ASIN: B000ARXF5K
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Description

In Handel's day this best-loved of all oratorios was performed by fewer than forty instrumentalists and a chorus, less than thirty strong, of boy trebles and men. That is the tradition to which Christopher Hogwood has returned in his performances with the Academy of Ancient Music. Members of the Academy all play instruments of the period or accurate modern copies.

In this recording the choruses are sung by boy trebles and male altos, tenors and basses, members of the Choir of Westminster Abbey. The soloists improvise embellishments in the arias and, in certain cases, join in the singing of the choruses, just as they would have done 240 years ago.The recording takes full advantage not only of Westminster Abbey's fine acoustic qualities, but also of the incomparable architectural splendour of the surroundings.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Performance, Poor Videography..........2007-01-19

...I hadn't had a chance to preview this performance, something I like to do before buying, but was quite pleased with what I got. The graphics look at least as old as they are, maybe older, but the music is incredible, in spite of the challenges of recording live in a cathedral in 1982. The Baroque style solos took the cake. I was accustomed to 20th century exaggerated vibrato (by less than professional soloists) that leaves you wondering about the actual key of the music being performed. I love this recording in spite of its age and criticisms... It's awesome to hear this kind of performance of a classical piece that speaks of the greatest Subject of all time and eternity. The Messiah!

Excellent DVD, original sound, instruments; nice soloists, chorus.......2007-01-11

This concert was perform by experts. All soloists, the chorus and the orchestra are all profetionals. Haendel deserves that kind of performers.
For that genious took 25 days to write this beatiful masterpiece.
The instruments have the same style of the Haendel's time. The oboes are all in wood, there is no metal in those instruments. The trumpets have no valves neither keys, those trumpets have holes to play in the same way of 3 or 4 centuries ago (I am a trumpetist and I never had seen those kind of ?piccolo? trumpets). The total orchestra plays the same sound as Haendel's time.
With the sound, it is Dolby 2.0 (is more than enought because it is not a movie with special effects, etc). I consider it has a very good and clear sound.

About the language, it says is in italian; but Haendel was from England and wrote that masterpiece in English, so the English is the original language for it.
Camera effects? I consider is not exceptional, but good. This DVD doesn't deserve a negative feedback because of that; and I am not a filmmaker, to see all those minor details.
I recommend this product if you like the barroque and that kind of music.

Pablo Gomez
Santiago, Dominican Republic

Dec 23, 2006 Total waste of 28.00.......2006-12-25

This was very disapointing, as we have seen really good performances of the Messiah, and this ain't one of them. If you read this and still buy it call me and I'll sell you some more junk. There is no excitment in the production, it should make you want to jump up and sing, it doesn't. sorry to our English friends at the Abbey.

Great performances, poor camera work AND poor audio.......2006-12-21

A few things to be aware of before buying this performance. This is a 1982 performance. My stupidity for looking at the 2005 notation and not realizing that it refers to the DVD release date. Also, and more importantly, the sound is Doly 2.0 (not 5.1). From an Audiophile standpoint, the sound quality is just not that good compared to other recordings. I also agree with the previous reviewer that the camera work is laughable. I've seen better video of my kids soccer games. I would recommend instead the Handel - Messiah / Cleobury, Dawson, Summers, Brandenburg Consort (1993)performance, which I also own and has better sound, choir, orchestra and camera work. I feel like I wasted $28.

Great performance! Poor camera work........2006-10-19

This is a wonderful performance, period instruments, great soloists using baroque ornamentations, with very good sound recording as well.

But I was quite disappointed with the camera work in the DVD. A lot building showed during important orchestral passages, and exaggerated emphasis in the soloist singers, framing sometimes a bit more than the mouth and eyes. You see the orchestra only for a few and short moments. The marvelous period key-less trumpet is framed so close that you hardly see any finger work which is a big point in this instrument.

Fantastic sound, poor video.

Handel - The Messiah / Dawson, Summers, Ainsley, Miles, Cleobury, King's College Choir, Brandenburg Consort

Average customer rating:

Superb, visually as well as audially

Handel - The Messiah / Dawson, Summers, Ainsley, Miles, Cleobury, King's College Choir, Brandenburg Consort
Starring: John Mark Ainsley , and Alistair Miles
Manufacturer: Foreign Media Group
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Handel - Messiah / Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Elliott, David Thomas, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Abbey
Carols From King's / Choir of King's College, Cambridge · Stephen Cleobury
Handel - Coronation Anthems / David Willcocks, Holland Boys Choir, Dutch Baroque Collegium
Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Claron McFadden, Bernarda Fink, Christoph Genz, Dietrich Henschel, John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir
Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields

ASIN: B0008ENLU4
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Customer Reviews:

Superb, visually as well as audially.......2007-05-27

Classical music concert DVDs keep getting better, and I keep getting more insistant on absolutely optimal visual as well as audial quality. This DVD is to date the absolute best visually. Its audial impact is superb both in terms of performance and sound quality. The lighting of the choristers is stunning, or, perhaps I should say, heavenly. You cannot know how important lighting is until you have seen the very best, which this is.
Visually, there was only one distraction. The soprano soloist, and, even more so, the bass, looked at their scores far too often. Come on, this is the Messiah, boys and girls -- hasn't just about everyone sung it?
Musically, the conductor made all the right choices except for one, the use of valveless "natural" trumpets. No sane person can doubt that Handel would have used valved trumpets if they were available. The trumpeters' skill made up somewhat for this mistake, but they really blew the muscially critical quick five scalar note trumpet descent form high G after the first "Lord of Lords" in "Hallelujah". Yes, I have become spolied enough to demand uninterrupted excellence, and the excellence of this performance was virtually uninterrupted except for this boo-boo and a strange ommission from "Why Do the Nations" (an electronic deletion of an error by the soloist?).
Audience coughing, always annoying, was well suppressed, I guess elecgtronically. The dramatic pause at the close of the "Amen" was coughless. But audience coughing ought to be totally suppressed.
I used not to think that a boys' choir could handle the high parts of big-sounding numbers like the Messiah choruses. The key here was the use of counter-tenors for the alto parts, allowing all 20 or so boys to sing soprano. Nothing was lacking. I also loved how enthusiastic the boys seemed to be. Adults cannot show such enthusiasm without its seeming fake.

Handel - Messiah / Cleobury, Dawson, Summers, Brandenburg Consort

Average customer rating:

Superb "Messiah" live recording
Completely surprised
Awesome
CORRECTION SUGGESTED / SPLENDID RECORDING
Marvelous performance, pity about the video quality

Handel - Messiah / Cleobury, Dawson, Summers, Brandenburg Consort
Starring: Lynne Dawson , Hilary Summers , John Mark Ainsley , Alastair Miles , and Stephen Cleobury
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Carols From King's / Choir of King's College, Cambridge · Stephen Cleobury
Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Claron McFadden, Bernarda Fink, Christoph Genz, Dietrich Henschel, John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir
Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel - Messiah / Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Elliott, David Thomas, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Abbey
Bach - St. Matthew Passion / Guttenberg, Neubeuern Choral Society

ASIN: B00004Y7IC
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Amazon.com

Handel's perennially beloved oratorio is marvelously well served by everyone involved--musicians and filmmakers alike--in this 1993 production. Though Messiah is still best known as a showcase for enormous forces, choral and orchestral, many historically informed performances in recent decades have shown that the piece works splendidly with the less overwhelming but more precise and transparent smaller groups of period performance ensembles, and this fleet, stirring account by the Brandenburg Consort is no exception. Under conductor Stephen Cleobury's sensitive baton, they play with a driving, quicksilver intensity that belies their small numbers and brings every requisite dollop of excitement to such numbers as "And He shall purify" or "Why do the nations," the instrumentalists matched each step of the way by the ringing tones of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Handel tinkered with his masterpiece for a decade after its premiere; Cleobury here presents the 1852 version (with recitatives and airs for four vocal soloists, SATB) and is blessed with a superb quartet of vocalists. Tenor John Mark Ainsley is particularly outstanding, displaying a lovely and noble voice, and tossing off some dazzling ornamentation in "Every valley." Hillary Summers's ardent rendition of "He was despised" is another highlight, the consort providing delicately beautiful accompaniment, while Lynne Dawson and Alastair Miles are fully the equal of their vocal partners. The passionate intelligence that marks the musical presentation finds a perfectly sympathetic visualization in Dirk Jan Bijker's tasteful direction, which captures the proceedings with a clarity and unobtrusive inventiveness regrettably rare in concert videos. The original broadcast was an early HDTV presentation, and the images gleam almost as crisply and warmly as the music itself. --Bruce Reid

Description

George Frideric Handel's most famous oratorio, Messiah, is a grand and inspiring anthology of passages from the Old and New Testaments relating to Christ before, during, and after his life on Earth. Messiah's power, lyricism, sincerity and profundity make it one of the supreme musical creations as well as an outstanding example of devotional art. This live recording from the handsome twelfth century Pieterskerk in Leiden, Holland provides a superbly atmospheric setting, cutting away to

eighteenth century Bible prints and religious paintings by Rembrandt. Featuring the internationally acclaimed Choir of King's College, soloists Lynne Dawson (soprano), Hillary Summers (alto), John Mark Ainsley (tenor) and Alastair Miles (bass), and the Brandenburg Consort conducted

by Stephen Cleobury. 140 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Superb "Messiah" live recording.......2007-01-23

This version of Handel's "Messiah" recorded live by Kings College Choir, is divine. The performances are lively paced, pitch perfect, and a real pleasure to watch as well as hear. The tenor's brilliance on "Every Mountain Shall Be Exalted" is thrilling and sends shivers - it's a foretaste of perfection to come. The candle lit interior adds a wonderful atmospheric dimension. Instruments are period, and do not overpower. Boy's choir is just right, and it's lovely to watch all the faces. Very high recommendation. Show it on Christmas Eve, as we did - beautiful!

Completely surprised.......2007-01-12

I was really surprise about this dvd. I bought it because of the reviews in amazon. I was part of a boys choir when I was young and it did bring back those memories when we performed. I think the video quality is good enough espacially under the lighting conditions. Live recordings, what can you expect, that is why you record live so that you don't missed out on anything. This DVD is something that I know we ( my family) will enjoy for the many Christmas' in the future.
God Bless everyone

Awesome.......2004-02-02

There is little fault to be found in this DVD. The vocal soloists are superb, and the orchestra with their period instruments are near perfect. This is an inspiring performance that is delivered with crispness, is worth listening to again and again -- and not just at Christmas. There are some minor flaws that go with performing in front of a live audience, but because everything else is so well done it is easy to overlook them.

CORRECTION SUGGESTED / SPLENDID RECORDING.......2003-12-11

I just wanted to note that the version presented on this DVD is from 1752 and not 1852 as noted in the Amazon Review. Certainly just an overlooked typo... And a funny one, especially given that Handel died in 1759.

The performance in question is nothing short of sublime. Simply exquisite in all respects and a must-have for all lovers of this stirring work as well as those just curious.

Marvelous performance, pity about the video quality.......2003-11-17

An almost flawless performance is spoiled to a significant degree by the poor execution of the video. Granted filming in low-light conditions in a medieval church will be challenging but in this case the excessive graininess and lack of anamorphic enhancement create a serious detraction. Other video productions have used e.g. Kings' College and Westminster Abbey with far superior results. So a caveat to videophiles - the PQ is quite poor.

On the hand, the performances are without exception first-rate. Particular standouts are Lynne Dawson, bass Alastair Miles and noted Handelian John Mark Ainsley. The trumpet virtuoso Crispian Steele-Perkins is in particularly fine form.

Description

One of the most famous pieces of music ever written, Handel's Messiah began its life in Dublin in 1742. Remarkably, not a year has gone by since withour Messiah being performed some where in the world. Today, beloved by millions, it stands proudly as a keystone of Western classical music.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation proudly presents the first Australian film and recording of Messiah. Made especially for television, DVD and CD, this sumptuous recording took place at the historic St Patrick's Estate (Recipient of a Cultural Heritage Conservation Award by UNESCO). The Cerretti Chapel's glorious setting prefectly offsets Handel's music in this exhilarating performance.

Description

THE PERFECT EASTER GIFT!!

NOVEMBER 20, 2003: CURTAIN CALL PRODUCTIONS RELEASES THE WORLD'S FIRST EVER 5.1 DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND DVD OF HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" PERFORMED AND RECORDED LIVE ALONG THE SEA OF GALILEE.

Customer Reviews:

A charming and uplifting performance........2006-01-15

I recently sang in a "Come and Sing" Messiah. For non-UK readers, this is a British thing done around Christmas and Easter time. A group of accomplished instrumentalists and soloists will join with a group of enthusiastic amateur singers of varying abilities and experience to rehearse Messiah intensively over a weekend, and sing it on the Sunday evening.

The one I sang in was at Leeds Metropolitan University with soloists from Opera North and the famous Black Dyke Mills Band. The excellent conductor, Andrew Dean, observed that it was far more important to sing the work with conviction than with meticulous accuracy. This reflected the intended spirit of Handel's masterpiece - and with regard to some inaccuracy, well, the work could take it!

How well Dean's comment sums up this charming and poignant performance by an Israeli choir of the Christian story told in Handel's reputed response to a sermon by John Wesley. True, it is clear that the soloists are amateur performers. But their voices are pleasant, and the soprano in particular has a tone that some professional singers might envy. The chorus is very good indeed and the Ranaana Symphonette is at least equal to most of the professional orchestras that I have ever heard perform the work. The highlight of the performance for me was the spontaneous clapping and cheering from the Israeli audience even before the orchestra had finished the last bars of the Hallelujah Chorus.

To sum up. If you are satisfied with nothing but professional slickness and accuracy then this is not the recording for you. However, if you want to hear a recording which I think would have warmed Handel's heart, then you might give this one a try.

Inspired.......2004-02-10

Wow, what a great experience this live performance is! Instead of a slick, impersonal production, I was treated to something very organic and engaging. How the producers controlled the sound so expertly in that stone environment is beyond my knowledge, but it is wonderful. The 5.1 surround sound really filled my room. That combined with the video angles and close-ups really showed the inner workings of a major concert. I felt as though I was there. This is an amazing piece with a Jewish orchestra and choir singing a Christian Masterpiece in a Catholic church run by German Benedictine priests. Think about it. There's alot to consider here. Truly inspired.

Handel's Messiah DVD.......2004-02-04

I received this version of Handel's Messiah as a Christmas present and couldn't be happier. Handel's piece is obviously brilliant. The sound track on this DVD gives the piece its rightful respect - it is fabulous. To me, the performance location at the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish provided an intimate and informal, yet, inspirational setting for such a majestic piece. The details of the video were well thought and, in my opinion, added to the intimacy of the concert.

Disappointing.......2004-02-02

It was clear from the start that this was going to be an amature performance when the 'Father' of the church instructed the audience to turn off their cell phones - why in the world would you record this in 5.1 for all to see over and over again! The musicians are of average quality and the performance seems to be home-grown. The emotional appeal (in Israel where Jesus walked) is not enough to make this DVD anything but interesting. Get the Handel Messiah w/Cleobury, Dawson, Summers, & Brandenburg Consort - they get an A+ in my book.

Average customer rating:

Messiah of Handel - Dublin 2000

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Dublin Start of the Millenium, a faboulous concert with the Philarmonic Orchestra and choir of Ireland, the Visual Ministry Gospel and the partecipation of pop and gospel star like Chaka Kn, Gladys Knight, Rogel Daltry, Jeffrey Osborne mixing Gospel, Pop, and classic

Handel - Messiah / Brown, Kallisch, Sacca, Miles, Rilling, Bach-Collegium Stuttgart

Average customer rating:

Mozart's Arrangement of 'Messiah,' Sung in German

Handel - Messiah / Brown, Kallisch, Sacca, Miles, Rilling, Bach-Collegium Stuttgart
Starring: Helmuth Rilling , Alistair Miles , and Roberto Sacca
Manufacturer: Arthaus Musik
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Handel - Messiah - The 250th Anniversary Performance / Marriner, Academy and Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel - Messiah / Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Carolyn Watkinson, Paul Elliott, David Thomas, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of Westminster Abbey
The Callas Conversations, Vol. 2 [DVD Video]

ASIN: B0002MFGEG
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Description

During the first London performance King George II is said to have been so moved by the "Hallelujah" chorus, that he rose from his seat, and the rest of the audience with him. The Messiah, Handel's best-known oratorio, is deemed to be the masterpiece of the genre and aside from his operas likely the reason why he became the most popular artistic figure in London's contemporary music scene. Helmuth Rilling conducts Mozart's 1789 arrangement of that "Grand Musical Entertainment." According to Rilling, it is due to the details that this arrangement is so fascinating: dynamic changes, a different segmentation of solo and chorus parts, the instrumentation modulated to the tone characteristic of Mozart's time. "Actually", says Rilling, " this Messiah is a new work, more colourful, and very interesting!" Picture Format: 4:3 • Sound Format: PCM Stereo • Subtitles: D, F, GB, SP

Customer Reviews:

Mozart's Arrangement of 'Messiah,' Sung in German.......2005-02-15

This DVD is actually titled, correctly, 'Der Messias,' as this is a performance sung in German of Mozart's 1789 arrangement of the work. Between 1788 and 1790, Mozart's sometime patron Baron van Swieten contributed to Mozart's welfare by having him arrange for private performance several works by Handel, including Acis and Galatea (K566, November 1788), Messiah (K572, March 1789) and Alexander's Feast and the Ode for St Cecilia's Day (K591 and 592, both July 1790). For 'Messiah' Mozart added winds and percussion and composed new inner voices in places, enough that this work has its own designation, as noted above, in the Köchel catalog. I am old enough to have heard this arrangement in live performance but in the last thirty years there have been very few performances of it as the tide of musical taste has dictated a return to Handel's original orchestration and arrangement of the numbers (although, as many people know, there are questions even yet as to what should be considered Handel's final thoughts about some of the individual numbers; at least one number in the oratorio had seven different arrangements from Handel's own hand!). Still, if one wants to see and hear Mozart's arrangement one would certainly need go no further than this DVD. Helmut Rilling and his Bach-Collegium and Kantorei of Stuttgart are old hands at this sort of music. The Bach-Collegium is a modern-instrument group who nonetheless play using some of the historically-informed performance practice from the baroque and classical eras. The Kantorei, a forty-voice group that has recorded all of the Bach cantatas, is well-versed in baroque vocal music. The four soloists--the Canadian soprano Donna Brown, German mezzo Cornelia Kallisch, Italian tenor Roberto Saccà, and British basso Alastair Miles--acquit themselves admirably. I was particularly impressed with young Signor Saccà whose light tenor falls sweetly on the ear.

One more versed than I could tell you the differences between this version of 'Messiah' and the one we generally hear. The most noticeable, of course, is the use of a German text. 'Messiah' was set to King James Version biblical verses chosen and arranged by Charles Jennens, and it is in English that most people reading this review will know the work. It is a bit unsettling to hear 'Every valley' as 'Alle Tale,' and 'Glory to God in the Highest!' as 'Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe!,' for example. It also seems strange to hear the male chorus's 'And peace on Earth' intoned to martial timpani or to hear clarinets tootling countermelodies. One other oddity that I noticed is that 'For unto us' ('Uns ist zum Heil ein Kind geboren') is arranged as a solo vocal quartet rather than sung by the whole chorus who come in only at the end at 'Wonderful, Counselor.'

Although it is not stated anywhere in the DVD's booklet or case, I discovered by going to ArtHaus's website that this is a performance from 1991. It was filmed in the small baroque Stadtkirche in the Palatinate city of Ellwangen. Sound is reasonably good, videography is a bit frenetic at times, sometimes cutting away from soloists for no obvious reason. This is not really objectionable but it does get one's attention. Also, opening and closing credits are scrolled for each of the oratorio's three parts; one suspects this DVD was put together from three separate TV presentations, one for each part.

The bottom line on this release is this: If you are interested in hearing Mozart's arrangement of 'Messiah,' or if you are a big fan of Rilling's performances of baroque music, then this one might be for you. Otherwise, be warned and read the fine print: This is not the usual 'Messiah.'

TT=136min.

Scott Morrison

Handel - The Messiah / Kantorow, Dietschy, Tantcheff, Auvergne Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Library safe
"He was despiséd..."
Version W.A. Mozart of Handel's Messiah, but all right
A 'realistic' production!
A New Face for the Messiah

Handel - The Messiah / Kantorow, Dietschy, Tantcheff, Auvergne Orchestra
Starring: Véronique Dietschy , Eliane Tancheff , Alexandre Laiter , Thomas Tomaschke , and Jean-Jacques Kantorow
Director: Georges Bessonnet
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Handel's most popular oratorio is not a major part of Christmas celebrations in France, as it is in English-speaking countries, and that makes the fine performance by these French choral singers all the more impressive. This production slightly misrepresents the work by printing the title as The Messiah, adding a definite article that is not a part of the original English title. But by any title, Messiah is a masterpiece and has been recognized as such since the composer's lifetime. It is, in fact, the only concert work of the baroque era that has an unbroken performance history through the more than two-and-a-half centuries of its existence. Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, Bach's Mass in B Minor, and all of Handel's operas, to name only a few examples, were long forgotten and had to be revived for modern audiences.

As it traveled through the centuries, Messiah was adapted to changing musical tastes, and only in the last generation or two have performances tried to return to the way it was performed in Handel's lifetime. This performance, thoroughly enjoyable on its own terms, is in the 19th-century style, not baroque, with a large (and very good) chorus and a modern orchestra, including instruments that Handel did not use. Those who want a purer baroque style might try Christopher Hogwood on CD-- or Roger Norrington on VHS if they insist on video. Seeing the musicians does add to enjoyment, and the performance has a striking visual ambiance in an ancient French monastery with some 15th-century tapestries that show their age. --Joe McLellan

Description

The National Choir of Lyon and the Auvergne Orchestra under conductor Jean-Jacques Kantorow present Handel's biblical telling of the life of Jesus Christ in Messiah. This magnificent work is performed in the prestigious setting of the Abbey of La Chaise Dieu, a superb architectural landmark in the Auvergne Hills of central France. 140 minutes. National Choir of Lyon, Auvergne Orchestra, Jean-Jacques Kantorow conducting. Soloists: Veronique Dietschy (soprano), Eliane Tantcheff (soprano), Alexander Laiter (tenor), Thomas Thomaschke (bass).

Customer Reviews:

Library safe.......2004-02-09

Thankfully, we picked this one up at the library. It would have been a disappointed buy. We had bought the Kings College version a few months ago (previously mentioned by a reviewer)which I would recommend also... 5 stars.
We thought this DVD was a little too sublime, as a matter of fact so sublime one couldn't ever ever ever hear the harpsichord let alone see the player finger the keyboard. The Mezzo soprano was without volume or any ummph. Maybe it was my DVD but the whole performance seemed to be recorded with insufficient volume. Panning of the camera was like being on a carousel horse whirlling around seeing blurred faces go by. Legatto without a strong downbeat. We agree it should have said on the jacket 'In a Classical Style not Baroque'.
On the positive side ...the tapestries in the Abbey were nice.

"He was despiséd...".......2001-01-25

There's really nothing wrong with this presentation of 'Messiah'; it's just not particularly interesting. The chorus and orchestra are large and unfocused. The visuals are dull. The bass needs instruction in English pronunciation. One can see equally good live performances in almost any city in the US and western Europe. One would be better off with a CD or the DVD of Stephen Cleobury and the King's College Choir.

Version W.A. Mozart of Handel's Messiah, but all right.......2000-11-01

This is, as another reviewer said, Mozart's arrangment of Handel's Messiah. When I ordered it. I did not know that such a thing existed and did not take this seriously enough until I received it and saw it in the opening credits. In spite of the fact that (by now a long time ago), I spent the last two years of secondary school in Switzerland where I did reasonably well and lived, during that period of time, in South America, and that I had non-American as well as non-English speaking friends in both places, I am Anglophile enough about the things that I am Anglophile about--and Handel's Messiah is one of them--so that I do not want to see it tampered with, even in English, even by Mozart. Since this is my only recording of it at the present time, I did not appreciate the fact that "Version W.A. Mozart" is what this turned out to be when I first played it. What this means, among other things, is that an aria has been cut and other changes have been made. It is also true that I do not know Handel's original work in full so well that I am, at the present time, capable of perceiving all of the differences between it and this one, or I would probably enjoy this one less than I do, since I do love Handel's Messiah and was not/ am not looking for any kind of different recording, or even experience, of it. So. as a first or, only, recording I do not recommend this one for those reasons. However, I do think that if this isn't or isn't going to be your only recording of The Messiah ( I have decided to get the Gardiner CD within a month or so), it is nevertheless worth having because it is the only DVD that I know of of it that is available, and although it's not perfect, there's a lot to appreciate about it including the experience of not just listening to the performance, but being able to watch it on the screen. Furthermore, I really haven't found very much at all to complain about as to the direction/camera work, which I think on the whole was actually rather nice. I certainly haven't found anything at all about that that was so alienating that I didn't want to continue both watching and listening--and yes: at the same time. On the contrary, as a matter of fact. And on the whole everyone involved has done a good job with this basically beautiful work. My one crticism aside from the fact that it's not entirely Handel's original version, is that Elaine Tantcheff, the mezzo, doesn't have a strong enough voice. It's not that she can't be heard above the orchestra--she can be--but it's just not enough. When she is singing, and only when she is singing, I want to turn the volume up, which can't be done in the case of this DVD (and it's the only one I have like this), because the volume is arleady turned up as far as it will go, which is entirely adequate for everyone else but her. Also, although it would be sufficient to say that her diction could be better, my experience of this/her is such that I want to decribe it in the words I experience it in: I want to complain that she is mumbling when she is singing. Other that that, I have no other complaints, and what is beautiful about the orginal work still comes through in large part in this version and these performances, although I do wish that they had chosen to perform and record not Mozart's version, but Handel's entirely, because in the case of this work, it is what Handel wrote that is so loved by many people, including me.

A 'realistic' production!.......2000-03-02

This was my first DVD and I do not regret my choice. To those who thought the direction not the best, I would say-- in 140 minutes of TV production, a few imperfect shots should be expected. As in all video productions of music performance, you see MUCH more than anyone there in the live audience could have seen. That is another thing I liked about this DVD-- it was a "live audience performance"-- little chance to have it "re-manufactured" in an engineering studio! All four soloists were good-- refreshing to hear someone not on the charts! My only negative comments-- the close-up cameramen 'panned' much too quickly at times, and the DVD case could have been of better design and construction.

A New Face for the Messiah.......2000-02-02

Beggars cannot be choosers. The first DVD production of Handel's Messiah packaged by Image Entertainment may not be premium production, but it goes a long way in bringing the Messiah to life brilliantly. The visual performance not only enhances the sublime melodies, it also highlights the skill, effort, and enthusiasm that goes into making this beautiful piece.

Handel - The Messiah (Choruses) - A Naxos Musical Journey

Average customer rating:

Excellent, but one chorus is missing.
Even more glorious than with just the music

Handel - The Messiah (Choruses) - A Naxos Musical Journey
Starring: Naxos Musical Journey
Manufacturer: DVD International
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004UD5C
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Description

From the sounds of Christmas carols drifting through the night-air to the clang-clang of bells to the bustle of holiday shoppers, these are some of the familiar sounds of the holiday season. Some of the world's greatest classical compositions have been inspired by this joyous and spiritual season, with none more moving than Handel's extraordinary "Messiah."

This volume of the NAXOS MUSICAL JOURNEY takes you inside Bavaria's famed Benedictine Abbey Church for both an intimate and spectacular view of this holy architectural wonder. Handel's profound music soars through the church on a wave of choral voices, echoing across the ages and across the world. This classic holiday favorite is as sacred and enduring as the Benedictine Abbey itself, with its religious paintings, ornate rococo design, altars, and three towering organs. This is music for the ages, to be enjoyed season after season.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, but one chorus is missing........2002-02-27

This DVD is stunning visually! The interior of Ottobeuren Benedictine Abbey in Bavaria is an absolute marvel and this DVD exploits it very well. Clear images with minor artifacts. Despite all you see again and again is the interior, you never get bored but you want to watch even more of it. The performance is again a top one, with the Capella Istropolitana performing on modern instruments, but with authentic (period) practices. Bratislava City Choir brings out the choruses amazingly well, with perfect intonation and crisp articulation. The balance between orchestra and chorus is flawless and the recording so good that you can hear even the organ continuo which adds very much to the sound stage. A very good DVD indeed. Architecture, painting, sculpture and music in a perfect combination. It is dissapointing though that probably due to an editing error the chorus "Let us break their bonds asunder" is missing (this DVD has 21 tracks, instead of the 22 listed).

Even more glorious than with just the music.......2000-09-14

A while ago I reviewed several offerings from the DVD series "A Naxos Musical Journey" that offered us classical music from the Naxos library of recordings matched more or less to marvelous scenic tours of parts of Europe. At the time, however, they included a random viewing setting that made it impossible for your DVD player to tell you which track you were viewing.

On two more recent releases that feature has been wisely dropped, but with one of them you still have to return to the menu to find out where you are geographically. That is (DVD 0998), on which you can view Christmas type scenes, most of them indoors in shops of all sorts, in Zurich, Nuremberg and other locales. It is certainly the festive, perhaps even the commercial, rather than the religious aspects of the holiday that are being celebrated here. The 11 seasonal selections are played in Baroque style by the CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra under Peter Breiner; and you get what you would expect: "Silent Night," "The First Noel," and the rest. This may not be exactly the kind of viewing you would choose to sit before of an evening for the 52 minutes running time, but more likely what you would choose to have playing as guests are celebrating the joyous season. Children, on the other hand, might very well be attracted to the sight of all those toys and displays.

On the other hand, (DVD 0997) is absolutely stunning both visually and sonically. The Bratislava City Choir and Capella Istropolitana may offer the top performance of these familiar excerpts, but they are just fine for the occasion and the views of the Benedictine Abbey Church in Bavaria are well chosen, well presented, and often breathtaking. No need to wonder where you are in this tour. Here you might want to devote the 58 minutes included on the DVD to a good continuous "watch-hear."

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