Dunedin Consort : Handels original Messiah
Genre: Classical
Catalogue Number: CKD 285
Label: Linn records
Released: November 2006
Linn Records is delighted to announce the release of its second recording with renowned ensemble the Dunedin Consort. This superb new double SACD (hybrid) features Handels original version of The Messiah as it was premiered at Fishamble Music Hall, Dublin, in 1742. The recording has received very positive feedback with listeners describing it as amazing, astonishing, fresh, and as spontaneous as a live recording. The surround layer is as if you were sitting in the concert itself.
In the years that followed the original Dublin production, at least ten different versions of The Messiah were produced by Handel, and although no one edition can be regarded as definitive, the aim of this recording is to recreate some of the freshness of the premiere, so that the listener may hear it as if for the first time, when many moments must have been quite unexpected.
The changes made by Handel over the years frequently reflected the musical and vocal resources available to the composer at the time of production. The Dublin version was originally performed by the choirs of Christ Church and St Patricks Cathedrals, whose numerical resources were approximately equivalent to those of the Dunedin Consort today.
Rarely has a vocal group made such an impact on the Scottish classical scene as quickly and impressively as the Dunedin Consort. Crisp singing and clear diction is matched by outstanding technical ability. - Sunday Herald
Dunedin Consort numbers three to sixteen professional singers from across Britain, and the artistic forces for each project are chosen according to repertoire by the groups Artistic Directors, Susan Hamilton and Professor John Butt (University of Glasgow).
Other items featuring Dunedin Consort
- Dunedin Consort: In the Beginning. Dunedin Consort is a dynamic vocal ensemble (CD)
- The Dunedin Consort: The People's Mass. Six contemporary Scottish-based composers come together. (CD)
- Dunedin Consort : ...in chains of gold...: Byrd, Tallis. (CD)
View directory entry for Dunedin Consort
