Which is your most played CD of Handle Oratorio

[JHC]

I ask this because I am just making a cover for ‘Israel in Egypt’ a recent d/l and have Alexanders Feast coming down the Cable.
I bet the Messiah comes out tops, you have to admit, it is just one great oratorio.

 

[Contratrombone64]

Colin,

Messiah is a fine oratorio, that's for sure. But I also adore Isræl in Egypt and have been fortunate enough to have played in a performance of it years ago (viola).

 

[Dorsetmike]

I don't have any on CD; I did once perform in Messiah (counter tenor) in a small choir, (by Messiah standards) about 28 of us, hard work!

 

[JHC]

CT, I was in a choir as a young and innocent boy we performed Stainer's Crucifiction and the next year combined with other choirs for the Messiah, most enjoyable.
I have only 3 versions on CD + 1 tape it is interesting how one recording differs from the next, a friend has 6 versions I intend to beat him

 

[Contratrombone64]

Ah, reminds me of a wonderful Sir Thomas Beecham quote, when he was asked what he thougth of Stainer's Crucifiction, he said "I'm all for it".

 

[JHC]

Its not that bad is it [Fling wide the gates] ??
You are lucky to have been able to play your Viola, I never had the chance to play my instrument in an oratorio 'double bass' a bit like 'I took my Harp to a party but nobody asked me to play'

 

[Montefalco]

Of course, it's easier to carry around a double bass or a harp than an upright piano.

 

[Contratrombone64]

ummm double basses were never unwelcome (except when I was playing in a string quartet)

 

[JHC]

ummm double basses were never unwelcome (except when I was playing in a string quartet)

Perhaps it was me or my playing lol

 

[JHC]

I finished the ‘Israel in Egypt d/l and have played it through twice it is just so good.
John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists Recorded 1990. Period instruments which is my favourite, now for Alexanders Feast

 

[JHC]

Alexanders Feast - a very good oratorio and one of my early favourites but the Consentus musicus Wien are not as together or polished as the English Baroque Soloists IMO but never the less most enjoyable

 

[Contratrombone64]

Colin,

Both recordins you show above I own and adore. Try "Saul" from JE-G's EBS collection, it's wonderful.

 

[JHC]

CT I have Saul this one, but I would love the Gardener CD I will search for it

 

[Fretless]

Saul is the only Handel oratorio I actually own and that one pictured is the version I have. I did the overture with a string group but used the McCreesh/Gabrieli Consort version as a listening model.

 

[JHC]

Fretless, are you going to get any more oratorio