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Messiah album review

Irish Baroque Orchestra and Choir/Whelan (Linn) Conductor Peter Whelan leads a finely judged and agile period-instrument performance with only 13 singers.

Messiah album review

TL;DR

  • The Irish Baroque Orchestra and conductor Peter Whelan recorded Handel's Messiah.
  • The recording aims to recreate the version performed at the oratorio's 1742 premiere in Dublin.
  • It features period instruments and a choir of 13 singers, including all vocal soloists.
  • Soloists highlighted include Helen Charlston (contralto), Alexander Chance (countertenor), and Hilary Cronin (soprano).
  • Conductor Peter Whelan is noted as a rising name in baroque music, soon to lead San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque.