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.
