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Posted by David Payn on February 6, 2007, 1:47 am I must say how much I enjoyed Michael Greenhalgh's lucid and detailed review of the Dunedin Consort and Players' recent release of the Dublin version of Handel's Messiah. In particular, I enjoyed the detailed comparisons with Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort's recording (I own both, having just purchased the Dunedin's CD at an excellent concert they gave on the Isle of Arran on 3rd February 2007). What I particularly enjoyed about this review was (apart from the fact that it came from someone with a highly lively musical ear) that it wasn't simply a generalisation of the recording as a whole but a detailed review of each number, comparing both the aforementioned recordings. It's not often I find myself nodding in agreement with a classical CD review (though I should add, I do not possess the expertise of Mr. Greenhalgh) but I certainly did on a regular basis here! However, Mr Greenhalgh likens the trumpets' unison D at 'King of Kings' in the Hallelujah Chorus to trombones. The effect it had on me suggested, albeit briefly, that there were horns joining the trumpets at that point (Some period instrument recordings, notably the aforementioned McCreesh version and Trevor Pinnock, include them). Also, I felt that the trumpeter in 'The Trumpet Shall Sound' could have added some 'decoration' on the Da Capo. Nevertheless, I felt Clare Wilkinson's rendition of 'He Was Despised' to be the most effectively bleak, tragic and heart-rending version I've ever heard; all the better for the lack of vibrato. The other 'stand out' track from an excellent recording was the sheer virtuosity from all concerned in 'All We Like Sheep' But these are just the opinions of an enthusiastic amateur musician! Once again, I can only say how much I appreciated Mr. Greenhalgh's excellent review of this recording, given by someone who clearly listened to the whole recording in great detail. Many thanks. Dave
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http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Jan07/Handel_Messiah_CKD285.htm
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