Classical album review: George Frideric Handel - The People Shall Hear!

Published on Friday 26 June 2009 17:16

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL The People Shall Hear! ***** BIS SACD-1736

Performances of Handel's choral music tend to focus on Messiah, perhaps his most popular work, together with renditions of Zadok The Priest. The latter was one of four anthems he composed for the coronation of George II and Queen Caroline in 1727, but the only one sung at every subsequent event.

By 1743, when Messiah was premiered in London, it was another work, Samson, that was making headlines; today, that oratorio is rarely performed in full, but its aria Let The Bright Seraphim remains a favourite.

All these are represented on this highly enjoyable recording from the Bach Choir and English Concert under David Hill as they dip into a variety of works and perform each with accuracy and energy: the elocution is pin-sharp, with the soloists never overshadowed by the orchestra.

Download this: Jealousy, Infernal Pest