Paul McCreesh
Handel: Messiah (2CD + 1 Blu Ray Audio)
“Drawn more to Malcolm Sargent than the “evangelism of the first ‘period’ performances”, McCreesh takes a very fin de siecle approach. As it happens, this is a modern Messiah. The Gabrieli Consort and Players are as responsive and professional a group as you will find these days." GRAMOPHONE
CD 1
First Part: Track 1-19
Scene 1: Isaiah's prophecy of salvation
Scene 2: The coming judgment
Scene 3: The prophecy of Christ's birth
Scene 4: The annunciation to the shepherds
Scene 5: Christ's healing and redemption
Second Part: Track 20-22
Scene 1: Christ's Passion
Scene 2: Christ's Death and Resurrection
CD 2
Second Part: Track 1-19
Scene 3: Christ's Ascension
Scene 4: Christ's reception in Heaven
Scene 5: The beginnings of Gospel preaching
Scene 6: The world's rejection of the Gospel
Scene 7: God's ultimate victory
Third Part: Track 20-28
Scene 1: The promise of eternal life
Since by man came death (chorus)
Scene 2: The Day of Judgment
Scene 3: The final conquest of sin
Scene 4: The acclamation of the Messiah