Richard Bonynge, English Chamber Orchestra, Ambrosian Singers, Joan Sutherland - George Frideric Handel: Messiah (1992)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 696 Mb | Total time: 146:27 | Scans included
Classical | Label: DECCA | # 433 740-2 | Recorded: 1970
It should not be all that much of a surprise to anyone familiar with Bonynge that this set would be memorable. Bonynge has worked not only with the Ambroasian Singers, but each of the soloists as well. Joan Sutherland without a doubt the strongest of the four soloists. She handles her role with ease, using the skills she has as a Bel Canto specialist to maneuver Handel's trills and flourishes. Two soloists who truly get a vocal workout are Hugette Tourangeau who sings the contralto role and bass Tom Krause. Though listeners may love the vocal fireworks Handel includes in the score, it is rather difficult terrain for the lower voices, but Tourangeau and Krause do a spectacular job. Many listeners may also realize that other basses have simplified their parts whereas Krause accepts the vocal challenges and he does more than accept, he achieves success. Werner Krenn's light tenor is suited for his parts.