Reviewed by Dave Massey

This is a re-mastered recording of the Messiah, directed by the German conductor Otto Klemperer. It was made at a time when Baroque music was nowhere near as popular as it is today. A much larger orchestra is used than one would find in an authentic setting and with the more mellow modern instruments. This kind of setting is just as valid as a Baroque orchestra but I'm afraid that the rather more heavy approach of Klemperer and the almost operatic delivery of some of the arias makes it a no-no for me. The appearance of the Heavenly Host singing "Glory To God" is robbed of it's potency by a rather quiet and ethereal interpretation designed to heighten the impression of 'them up there' and 'us down here' (Bass) singing "Peace On Earth", Klemperer's interpretation seems to show a complete lack of understanding of the words, let along Handel's marking of Forte in the manuscript. The import of 'Suddenly', 'Multitude', 'Host', and 'Glory' is missed. The bass aria (sung by Jerome Hines) "Thus Saith The Lord" feels too slow and deliberate, but of all the soloists Mr Hines comes out with the greatest credit. The soprano, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf never really comes into her own, with too much vibrato and a rather breathless entrance in "Rejoice Greatly" - due to Klemperer's slow tempo which turns a flowery, joyful aria into a mechanical exercise. She gives a better account of herself however in the next aria' "He Shall Feed His Sheep". If you want a copy of Messiah that will give you a different interpretation, then you may appreciate this recording more than I did. For me, Klemperer misses the spirit and on some occasions the content of Messiah.