A highly original and attractive set of sacred choral works by Handel, centred around the Passion/Easter period.

Providing a fascinating selection of sacred choral music, this 5CD set, which features two of Handel’s earliest works as well as the crowning achievement of his career, is a must-buy.

The first - and best-known - work to be included in this set, Messiah, is today one of the most frequently performed choral compositions in the history of European music. Written in three weeks during the late summer of 1741 and based on the Old and New Testaments of King James’ Bible, this three-act oratorio, which borrows extensively from Handel’s experience as an opera composer, traces the last days of Christ through to his ultimate glorification in heaven.

This masterpiece is complemented by two other sacred works that were written much earlier in Handel’s career, the Johannes-Passion and La Resurrezione. Although the identity of the composer of the former has been disputed, it is generally agreed that Handel did write it, at the tender age of nineteen. Based on the 19th chapter of the Gospel of St John, together with 13 original lyrical numbers, this gem of a piece was followed four years later in 1708 by La Resurrezione – one of two oratorios completed during Handel’s sojourn to Rome.

At a time when opera performances in the city were banned by papal decree, a sacred musical form such as this comprised a respectable alternative, and Contrasto Armonico’s historically informed performance is an assured presentation aimed at recreating how the music would have sounded at the time. All in all, this box set comprises a worthy addition to the Handel collector’s library.

Superb performances by the Choir of King’s College Cambridge, the Capella Savaria, and the period performance of Contrasto Armonico conducted by Marco Vitale.

Artists:
Messiah
Lynne Dawson (soprano) · Hilary Summers (alto) · John Mark Ainsley (tenor) · Alastair Miles (bass)
Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet) · The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge · The Brandenburg Consort
Stephen Cleobury

St John Passion
Mária Zádori (soprano) · Ibolya Verebics (soprano) · Judit Németh (mezzo-soprano) · Charles Brett (countertenor) · Martin Klietmann (tenor) · Gábor Kállay (tenor) · István Gáti (baritone) · József Moldvay (baritone)
Chamber Choir · Capella Savaria on period instruments
Pál Németh

La Resurrezione
Klaartje van Veldhoven (soprano - Angelo) · Stefanie True (soprano - Maddalena) · Kristine Gether (alto - Cleofe) · Marcel Beekman (tenor - San Giovanni) · Mitchell Sandler (bass - Lucifero)
Contrasto Armonico
Marco Vitale