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CD review: Handel's Messiah, The Sixteen
4:56pm Wednesday 20th August 2008
Anticipating their 30th anniversary next year, The Sixteen's latest CD of Handel's Messiah, due for release on September 1, is a triumphant summation of their achievements over three decades. All the hallmarks of this exceptional choral ensemble are encapsulated in this recording; mellifluous phrasing, flawless intonation and crystal-clear diction, underpinned by the authentic sound of period instruments.
As ever, emphasis is very much on the importance of the text, and this is a reverential rather than ebullient interpretation of Handel's masterpiece. Even the Hallelujah chorus - refreshingly - avoids the temptation for self-indulgent boisterousness; instead, conductor Harry Christophers (pictured) subtly directs the listener's attention to the true meaning of the words, offering an interpretation that is thoughtful, conscientious and insightful.
The four soloists are renowned Handelian singers, and three of them - soprano Carolyn Sampson, tenor Mark Padmore and baritone Christopher Purves - began their careers with The Sixteen. They are joined by alto Catherine Wyn-Rogers, whose lush, sonorous tones contrast deliciously with Sampson's light, bell-like quality. Padmore's trademark tenderness and passion are at their most eloquent here, while Oxford-resident Purves - surely one of the finest baritones around right now - contributes a warmth and resonance that is utterly compelling.
This is a sublime recording of a work that has become almost synonymous with The Sixteen, which has now performed the work nearly 150 times since 1985; their 150th performance will take place at the Barbican on December 3.
The 3CD set includes a bonus disc containing nine tracks from The Sixteen's other Handel recordings, including the ever-popular Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon, as well as choral and instrumental extracts from Esther, Alexander's Feast and Samson. Featured soloists include sopranos Lynda Russell and Elin Manahan Thomas, mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, tenor Mark Padmore and trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins.
At £16.99 the set is a bit pricey, but comes beautifully presented and includes a 36-page booklet. Handel's Messiah is released on the Coro label, catalogue number COR16062. For more information, visit www.thesixteen.com
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