Handel: Messiah Choruses

Featuring

Harry Christophers
The Sixteen
The Sixteen Orchestra
George Frideric Handel

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Critical Reception

A contemporary reaction to Handel's "Messiah" judged it to be closer to a succession of hymns or anthems than an oratorio for theatrical performance.

Interpretation

The Sixteen's performance of "Messiah" is shaped by an overriding dramatic vision, presenting distinct groups of related movements and strategically placed moments of rest.

Cultural Impact

Handel's "Messiah" once held a common place in popular culture, with Richard Hoggart noting its blindness to class barriers and widespread performance by chapel choirs and choral societies.

Performer Biography

Harry Christophers, the conductor of The Sixteen, has set benchmark standards for choral music performance and has an international influence supported by over 150 recordings.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Handel, the composer of "Messiah," described the work as an "entertainment," despite its dramatic evolution from Advent through the Passion to resurrection.

Recording & Production

This recording of "Messiah" choruses was made in November 2007 at St Paul's Church, Deptford, London, with Mike Hatch as the recording engineer.

Compositional Technique

Handel's immense skill is evident in the "Amen" chorus of "Messiah," where over 30 repetitions of the word in each part sound exhilarating and thrilling.