Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of George Frideric Handel with the 1976 recording of "Messiah." This iconic oratorio, conducted by the esteemed Sir Neville Marriner and performed by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, is a cornerstone of classical music that has captivated audiences for centuries. The album spans three parts, encompassing a total of 53 tracks that beautifully encapsulate Handel's profound musical storytelling.
Recorded by Decca Music Group Ltd., this 1976 release is a meticulous reconstruction of Handel's original London performances from 1751, featuring boy treble voices that add a unique and authentic touch to the composition. The album's duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes offers a comprehensive journey through Handel's sublime choral and orchestral arrangements, showcasing the brilliance of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the soloists, including the renowned Anna Reynolds.
"Messiah" is celebrated for its majestic choruses, tender arias, and the unforgettable "Hallelujah" chorus, which remains one of the most recognized and beloved pieces in classical music. The album's genres span classical, choral, and opera, making it a versatile and enriching addition to any music collection. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Handel's works, this recording provides an unparalleled listening experience that highlights the enduring power and beauty of "Messiah."
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 1, SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 2, Recit. Comfort Ye, My People (Tenor) - No. 3, Aria. Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 4, Chorus. And the Glory of the Lord Shall Be RevealedGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 5, Recit. Thus Saith the Lord of Hosts (Bass) - No. 6, Aria. But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming? (Alto/Bass)George Frideric Handel, Gwynne Howell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 7, Chorus. And He Shall Purify the Sons of LeviGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 8, Recit. Behold, a Virgin Shall Conceive, and Bear a Son (Alto) - No. 9, O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to ZionGeorge Frideric Handel, Anna Reynolds, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 10, Recit. For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth (Bass) - No. 11, Aria. The People That Walked in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Gwynne Howell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 12, Chorus. For Unto Us a Child Is BornGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 13. Pifa "Pastoral Symphony"George Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 14, Recit. There Were Shepherds - No. 15, And the Angel Said Unto Them - No. 16, And Suddenly (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Elly Ameling, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 17, Chorus. Glory to God in the HighestGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 18, Aria. Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Elly Ameling, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 19, Recit. Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened (Alto) - No. 20, Aria. He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd (Alto/Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Anna Reynolds, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: No. 21, Chorus. His Yoke Is Easy and His Burthen Is LightGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 22, Chorus. Behold the Lamb of GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 23, Aria. He was Despised and Rejected of Men (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Anna Reynolds, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 24, Chorus. Surely He Hath Borne Our GriefsGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 25, Chorus. And with His Stripes We Are HealedGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 26, Chorus. All We Like Sheep Have Gone AstrayGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 27, Recit. All They That See Him Laugh Him to Scorn (Tenor) - No. 28, Chorus. He Trusted in God That He Would Deliver HimGeorge Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 29, Recit. Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart (Soprano/Tenor) - No. 30, Aria. Behold and See If There Be Any Sorrow Like Unto His Sorrow (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Elly Ameling, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 31, Recit. He Was Cut Off Out of the Land of the Living (Soprano/Tenor) - No. 32, Aria. But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell (Soprano/Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 33, Chorus. Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye GatesGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 34, Recit. Unto Which of the Angels Said He at Any Time? (Tenor) - No. 35, Chorus. Let All the Angels of God Worship HimGeorge Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 36, Aria. Thou Art Gone Up on High (Alto/Bass)George Frideric Handel, Gwynne Howell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 37, Chorus. The Lord Gave the WordGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 38, Aria. How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them That Preach (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Elly Ameling, Anna Reynolds, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 39, Chorus. Their Sound Is Gone Out into All LandsGeorge Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 40, Aria. Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together? (Bass) - No. 41, Chorus. Let Us Break Their Bonds AsunderGeorge Frideric Handel, Gwynne Howell, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 42, Recit. He That Dwelleth in Heaven Shall Laugh Them to Scorn (Tenor) - No. 43, Aria. Thou Shalt Break Them with a Rod of Iron (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Philip Langridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: No. 44, Chorus. Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent ReignethGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 45, Aria. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Elly Ameling, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 46, Chorus. Since By Man Came DeathGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 47, Recit. Behold, I Tell You a Mystery (Bass) - No. 48, Aria. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)George Frideric Handel, Gwynne Howell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 49, Recit. Then Shall Be Brought to Pass (Alto) - No. 50, Aria. O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? (Alto/Tenor) - No. 51, Chorus. But Thanks Be to God Who Giveth Us the VictoryGeorge Frideric Handel, Anna Reynolds, Philip Langridge, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 52, Aria. If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us? (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Anna Reynolds, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: No. 53, Chorus. Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain - AmenGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chorus, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner