Experience the timeless masterpiece "Messiah" by George Frideric Handel, a monumental work in the choral and classical music canon. Composed in a mere 24 days in 1741, this oratorio is a testament to Handel's genius and remains one of the most beloved and frequently performed works in Western music. "Messiah" is a profound exploration of faith, redemption, and the human spirit, set to some of the most stirring and uplifting music ever composed.
This album, released on December 24, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, features the complete oratorio, divided into three parts, each telling a segment of the Christian narrative from the prophecies of Isaiah to the resurrection of Christ. The work is renowned for its powerful choruses, such as the exhilarating "Hallelujah" chorus, and its tender arias, like the soothing "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted."
The album spans nearly two hours, offering a comprehensive journey through Handel's musical and theological vision. The performances are brought to life by a stellar ensemble of vocalists and orchestral musicians, capturing the grandeur and intimacy of Handel's score. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Messiah" is an essential addition to your collection, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that transcends time.
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 1. SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 2, Recit. Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 3, Aria. Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 4, Chorus. And the Glory of the Lord Shall Be RevealedGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 5, Recit. Thus Saith the Lord of Hosts (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Andrew Foster-Williams, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 6, Aria. But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming? (Alto/Bass)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 7, Chorus. And He Shall Purify the Sons of LeviGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 8, Recit. Behold, a Virgin Shall Conceive, and Bear a Son (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 9, Aria with Chorus. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Iestyn Davies, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 10, Recit. For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Andrew Foster-Williams, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 11, Aria. The People That Walked in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Andrew Foster-Williams, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 12, Chorus. For Unto Us a Child Is BornGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 13. Pifa "Pastoral Symphony"George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 14, Recit. There Were Shepherds, Abiding in the Field (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 15, Recit. And the Angel Said Unto Them, Fear Not (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 16, Recit. And Suddenly There Was With the Angel a Multitude (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 17, Chorus. Glory to God in the HighestGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 18, Aria. Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 19, Recit. Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 20, Aria. He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd (Alto/Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Julia Doyle, Iestyn Davies, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 21, Chorus. His Yoke Is Easy and His Burthen Is LightGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 22, Chorus. Behold the Lamb of GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 23, Aria. He Was Despised and Rejected of Men (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 24, Chorus. Surely He Hath Borne Our GriefsGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 25, Chorus. And with His Stripes We Are HealedGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 26, Chorus. All We Like Sheep Have Gone AstrayGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 27, Recit. All They That See Him Laugh Him to Scorn (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 28, Chorus. He Trusted in God That He Would Deliver HimGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 29, Recit. Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 30, Aria. Behold and See If There Be Any Sorrow Like Unto His Sorrow (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 31, Recit. He Was Cut Off Out of the Land of the Living (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Allan Clayton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 32, Aria. But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Julia Doyle, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 33, Chorus. Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye GatesGeorge Frideric Handel, Polyphony, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 34, Recit. Unto Which of the Angels Said He at Any Time? (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 35, Chorus. Let All the Angels of God Worship HimGeorge Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 36, Aria. Thou Art Gone Up on High (Alto/Bass)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 37, Chorus. The Lord Gave the WordGeorge Frideric Handel, Polyphony, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 38, Aria. How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them That Preach (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 39, Chorus. Their Sound Is Gone Out into All LandsGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 40, Aria. Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together? (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Andrew Foster-Williams, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 41, Chorus. Let Us Break Their Bonds AsunderGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 42, Recit. He That Dwelleth in Heaven Shall Laugh Them to Scorn (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 43, Aria. Thou Shalt Break Them with a Rod of Iron (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 44, Chorus. Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent ReignethGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 45, Aria. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Julia Doyle
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 46, Chorus. Since By Man Came DeathGeorge Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 47, Recit. Behold, I Tell You a Mystery (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Andrew Foster-Williams, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 48, Aria. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia, Andrew Foster-Williams
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 49, Recit. Then Shall Be Brought to Pass (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 50, Aria. O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Alto/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Stephen Layton, Iestyn Davies, Britten Sinfonia, Allan Clayton
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.
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George Frideric Handel
