CD-Charts Position 91
Average Rating:

Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Decca

Release Date September 13, 2005
One can't help but be impressed with the agility in Bartoli's voice. Vocal fireworks! And yet the "Mentre io godo...", "Caldo sangue" and "Lascia la spina..." are so sweet and calming. I consider this CD a must have!

CD-Charts Position 92
Average Rating:

Pachelbel's Canon·Handel·Vivaldi·Gluck / AAM, Hogwood

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Decca/Polygram

Release Date October 25, 1990
Once again, Christopher Hogwood and The Academy of Ancient Music have succeeded in taking well-known and not-so-well-known works and showing an entirely new side of them. Remember, the great composers lived in a completely different age, so we can't know their true intentions, but I must say that Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Handel, and Gluck would be quite pleased with this album.
Here's a composer-by-composer breakdown on the disc:
Pachelbel: The CD is aptly named. I must agree with previous reviewers and say that this recording of the Canon is remarkable, keeping the piece's harmonic beauty while making it historically accurate.
Vivaldi: The B-minor concerto is tastefully played, though in some sections it is too staccatoed, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 93
Average Rating:

Discover Music of the Baroque Era

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Naxos

Release Date March 22, 2005
I really love this collection of Baroque music! Back in the 1990s, when Naxos was a new company, there was a lot of talk about their recordings not being as good as those of some other music labels, but I believe that Naxos has much improved, and terrific collections like this are testimony to the fact. There's a very nice balance on these CDs in terms of style, types of performers, and in presenting pieces that span the entire Baroque era from about 1600 to 1750. The tempos also balance nicely, though perhaps there's a slight emphasis on slower pieces, so the overall effect on me of hearing this music is peacefulness and serenity, while the etherial choral works add to that sense.

So much of the Baroque music that is performed often ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 94
Average Rating:

Karajan 100th - Volume 2, Opera and Vocals

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: EMI Classics

Release Date April 15, 2008
This is a fabulous bargain for people new to this material, but be warned: EMI has not reissued their latest remasterings in this set. You can find a complete track listing for this set on EMI's website, complete with remastering dates, many of which are from the late 1980's. EMI's reliance on these is a shame because quite a lot of these operas are classics and have been recently remastered in EMI's Great Recordings, Great Artists etc series. Here is an (important) example: Karajan's 1947 recording of Brahms's Requiem was remastered in 2004 for EMI's Great Artists series, but its website lists the version used in this set as the remastering of 1987. I cannot compare the two remasterings, but I do know that the 2004 remastering shows the age of the recording ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 95
Average Rating:

Handel: Messiah

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: RCA

Release Date October 12, 2004
Finally, this wonderful performance has been put on CD. I've been waiting a long time for this. I just about wore out my LP recording.
This is one of the best performances of Handel's masterpiece I have ever heard. The tempi on the choruses are refreshingly brisk and the execution of the melismas is clean and perfect. Of course this has always been a trademark of the Robert Shaw Chorale.
The comparison by Kris to chipmunks is absurd. Robert Shaw's choral expertise was brilliant. His tempi is perfect. Bravo!

CD-Charts Position 96
Average Rating:

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: EMI Classics

Release Date June 07, 2005
This album is filled with collection excellent choral music. Many are old favorites of mine and many were new to me. The performances were outstanding. In some cases I have selections in my collection that I consider better than those on this album; however, I suggest that you buy it. It is beautiful!!

On a negative note, the first copy I received was new media and had a scratch which rendered the last two tracks unreadable.

Amazon was quick to credit my account, pay return shipping and the second copy was free from defects. Bravo!!

CD-Charts Position 97
Average Rating:

Oedipus Tex & Other Choral Calamities

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Telarc

Release Date September 25, 1990
Oedipus Tex & Other Choral Calamities is one of the must haves from PDQ Bach. This album has some of his best stuff on it including the title tracks and one of the funniest songs he has composed "classical rap" this is well worth one's time to check out.

CD-Charts Position 98
Average Rating:

The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Box Set)

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Delta

Release Date July 14, 1994
I had this collection and lost it in 2000 when moving to a new house. I took me a time to find it but after having it again I can say it is the most valuable selection of classic music, it is truly the 100 top masterpieces and the sound is excellent.

CD-Charts Position 99
Average Rating:

Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
by: George Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert & Choir, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, John Tomlinson

Release Date October 25, 1990
AUGER AND CHANCE ENCHANT AND ENTRANCE.
The English passion for oratorio is largely due to Handel. Every year from 1738 to 1751, he produced at least one. The 'Messiah' is THE modern oratorio, not only because of the custom of rising and stretching in the seventh inning, when the 'Hallelujah Chorus' is sung, but because of its magnificent choruses, soaring arias and orchestral accompaniment which are truly thrilling.

And that is precisely why I would not give this rendition five stars. It is incredibly 'laid back' and too 'cold' for my taste. However. let's examine the soloist's contributions one by one, for some of this overall impression has a great deal to do with them.

John Tomlinson (bass)- excellent technique with good emotional investment; ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 100
Average Rating:

Handel: Solomon

CD-Charts > Music > Oratorios
from: Philips

Release Date September 12, 2006
This recording is in a league of it's own. It's one of the finest recordings of any Handel oratorio. Gardiner is in top form both in exucution and in creating musical drama. The orchestra and the chorus are clean and direct and the soloists are all first rate.

Carolyn Watkinson, in the title role, has never sounded better. (History finds that this role was always intended by the composer to be sung by a mezzo/contralto.) The scene between Solomon and the two Harlots, in what must be considered the dramatic peak of the work, is brought vividly to life by the wonderful Joan Rodgers and Della Jones along with Watkinson. Here the singers, along with Gardiner and the orchestra, sucessfully create a scene of both pathos and spitfire vengeance - all at the same time. Rodgers brings ... Read More: