Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Handel’s sharply differentiated numbers form a convincing three-part arc, and Harnoncourt’s lean, rhythmically alert performance gives this recording a clear identity.
What we noticed
- Part I moves from recitative into set-piece arias and choruses, then pauses for the Pifa before the shepherds’ sequence.
- Part II builds through a succession of choruses to the Hallelujah; Part III shifts to solo-led passages before the trumpet feature and final chorus.
- The recording uses a lean period-instrument sound, with crisp attacks that keep the choruses rhythmically pointed rather than massive.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
9/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Messiah: Symphony 3:36
- 2 Messiah: Comfort Ye - Ev'ry Valley 6:49
- 3 Messiah: And the glory of the Lord 2:31
- 4 Messiah: Thus saith the Lord; But who may abide 5:41
- 5 Messiah: And he shall purify; Behold, a virgin shall conceive 3:44
- 6 Messiah: O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion 6:18
- 7 Messiah: For behold, darkness shall cover the earth; The people that walked in darkness 5:07
- 8 Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born 5:07
- 9 Messiah: Pifa 1:00
- 10 Messiah: There were shepherds; And lo, the angel of of the Lord; And the angel said unto them; And suddenly there was with the angel 1:33
- 11 Messiah: Glory to God 2:09
- 12 Messiah: Rejoice Greatly 4:43
- 13 Messiah: Then shall the eyes of the blind... He shall feed his flock 6:31
- 14 Messiah: His yoke is easy 2:53
Disc 2
- 1 Messiah: Behold The Lamb of God 2:51
- 2 Messiah: He Was Despised 11:53
- 3 Messiah: Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs - And With His Stripes - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray 7:59
- 4 Messiah: All They That See Him - He Trusted In God 3:32
- 5 Messiah: They Rebuke Has Broken His Heart - Behold, And See - He Was Cut Off - But Thou Didst Not Leave 6:30
- 6 Messiah: Lift Up Our Heads - Unto Which Of The Angels - Let All The Angels of God 4:47
- 7 Messiah: Thou Art Gone On High 3:18
- 8 Messiah: The Lord Gave The Word 1:15
- 9 Messiah: How Beautiful Are The Feet Of Them - Their Sound Is Gone Out 3:38
- 10 Messiah: Why Do The Nations - Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder 4:51
- 11 Messiah: He That Dwelleth in Heaven - Thou Shalt Break Them 2:14
- 12 Messiah: Hallelujah 3:42
Disc 3
- 1 Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth 6:02
- 2 Messiah: Since By Man Came Death 1:58
- 3 Messiah: Behold, I Tell You A Mystery - The Trumpet Shall Sound 9:50
- 4 Messiah: Then Shall Be Brought To Pass - O Death Where Is Thy Sting - But Thanks Be To God 3:25
- 5 Messiah: If God Be For Us 4:54
- 6 Messiah: Worthy Is The Lamb 6:32
What to play next
Chaconne HWV435, Klavier Suiten HWV436, HWV438, HWV434, HWV441
1983
Pachelbel: Canon / Handel / Vivaldi / Gluck
1983
Reference: MusicBrainz
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