Choir & Orchestra Of Pro Christe - Messiah: The Complete Work
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 106187-18328 LABEL: Classic Fox 5038508008483 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 3 RELEASE DATE: 2011-09-12 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
There is next to no information about this recording either in the CD booklet or on the record company's website but I think this is a re-issue of a 1997 release on the Guild label. The blurb on the back cover says that "Handel's Messiah is considered to be the greatest work of Christian choral music ever written" which may upset admirers of Johann Sebastian Bach, to mention just one name, but if the blurb writer had said that 'The Messiah' is one of the greatest works then no one would quibble. A quick look on this website will reveal that there are plenty of other versions of 'The Messiah' out there and, as yet, we are well short of a comprehensive list. Is this version worth recommending? As ever we have to make a subjective decision. Personally I prefer a smaller orchestra and generally a brisker tempo throughout but if this CD was given to me I would be happy to play it. However if we were in our local classical record shop (if such places still existed) and you asked me for a recommendation then there are better ones on the shelf. A nice touch is the bonus disc with the "essential highlights for times when you are not at leisure to enjoy the whole work" and, we could add, do not have the time to compile your own play list of favourites. The budget price is also in its favour but there are other budget Messiah's reviewed elsewhere on this site and this reviewer enjoyed Burdick's Trinity Choir and Higginbottom's New College Choir versions more than the Pro Christe recording and all three are much the same price.
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Product Description
Handel’s Messiah is considered to be the greatest work of Christian choral music ever writtten. Here is the complete Oratorio on two CD’s, with the Christian choir, orchestra and soloists of Pro Christe, who offer this performance as a faith filled and faith building experience.
This special edition includes a bonus disc of essential highlights for times when you are not at leisure to enjoy the whole work.