Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Familiarity breeds if not contempt, at least an inability to discern the riches, both aesthetic and spiritual contained in great art. Handel's Messiah has become such a familiar work to us that the classically orientated are forever tinkering to find more 'authentic' performances (baroque instruments and fewer voices) while CCM has given us a whole series of souped up pop versions. This tape offers us a small scale intimate performance of the marvellous work and in the process the beautiful cadences and sheer power of the work's soaring melodies and inspiring words impact the listener anew. Recorded by just four members of St Margaret's Choir and accompanied by five strings and a chamber organ, these selections from Handel's timeless oratorio are never less than enjoyable and sometimes spine-tingling.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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