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Energetic,somewhat flawed interpretation Jul 10, 2009
This performance was my first introduction to a recorded "Messiah", which I purchased when I was about 18. I enjoyed listening to that old LP for many years, and got "used" to some of the quirks that were a part of it. It wasn't until several years later that I learned that trumpets, trombones, and tympani were not originally included in "For Unto Us a Child is Born"; that they were in fact added in a re-orchestration by Mozart. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the festive, majestic nature that they brought to the piece, as well as in several other movements of the oratorio.
When I saw this CD recently on Amazon, I ordered it out of curiosity to hear again what I had enjoyed so many years ago. With the musical sophistication gained from four decades of choral work and graduate study, I now hear all of the flaws in this abridged performance led by Maestro Bernstein, but I still feel that it is a very exciting rendering, and worth the price.
The main flaws are in the performance by the Westminster Choir, which was so famous back at the time of the recording. The choral sections are quite ragged, with an overly-strident tenor section that constantly rushes the tempo, poor attacks, lack of blend; all things that would cause a present-day high school chorus to be marked down in a competition.
The four soloists are good, although many of the DaCapo arias are abridged. I especially enjoyed hearing the powerful voice of William Warfield again.
As a music teacher, I always admired Leonard Bernstein for all of his attempts to share music with the younger generation, especially in the "Young People's Concerts". His broadcasts did a great service to music, and I have purchased quite a number of his archive performances, both on CD and DVD from Amazon. He was often criticized for being too "theatrical" and "showy" in his conducting, but I think that these are qualities that helped make his programs enjoyable to a wider audience.
I think that this version is interesting to hear and compare to a more scholarly interpretation, especially because it uses the "incorrect" Mozart additions.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Hacking at Handel Apr 15, 2008
If you are a Baroque purist, you will probably gag, but this edition of Handel's most famous work points out the strengths and weaknesses of Bernstein the arranger.
Bernstein butchered Handel, rearranging vocal parts and transposing with abandon. He uses the traditional voice types, including a countertenor, but nobody is singing the music Handel intended for that voice type. It can be jarring.
On the plus side, the voices are gorgeous and Bernstein has infused the work with an energy that Handel himself would likely approve. If you know nothing about what the Messiah is supposed to sound like you will find beauty in this rendition. I think it is worthy to be in a classical collection but it should not be the only edition of Messiah one has. As an example of vocal excellence, it can be noted. Buy it if you admire one of these soloists. You will not have wasted your money.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Great singers acting together Mar 06, 2008
The Bernstein performance of Messiah is a bit strange, as compared with our present experience in baroque music. The orchestra sounds sometimes very extraordinary, but you can listen to it without disgust (except the Overture, which is much too slow). The choir for me is too big and sounds horrible (well, I sing in a choir, so my requirements are high). BUT... the recording is worth buying because of magnificent singers. All are tremendous: powerful voice and laser clarity of pitch in soprano; elegant tenor; emotional and very humane singing of bass; and the best of the best at the end: Russell Oberlin in alto part. For me, he alone is a quite sufficient excuse to buy the album. Oberlin sings here with the highest mastery you can except from the singer: his voice is quite unusual and we did not meet such alto vibration after him (obviously there were many before, in Handel times). His performance of "He Was Despised" air is the greatest I've ever heard (and Russell sings two more arias here!). Really, this album is a must for all lovers of great singing.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Slow and Heavy Dec 13, 2006
I want to say that I am a HUGE fan of Lenny B. I have collections of his mahler and beethoven recordings, autobiographies...all the good stuff. I am very sorry to say that this is the only recording of his that I really don't like. It is very heavy and slow.
I personally like very clean, more baroque style recordings of the Messiah, which is one of my favorite works. I have performed it multiple times, and at various tempos and styles.
I wouldnt recomend this recording, even though Lenny is amazing.
2 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 A Masterpiece for us Common Folk Jun 04, 2005
David Hurwitz is a snob. Does one always eat every morsel on the plate even if he/she hates it?? I have loved this recording on LP since the 60's and can't wait for the CD which I am ordering. It discards some of the more boring parts (I have heard on other recordings) and brilliantly gives the listener the essence of this beautiful piece which I consider the most beautiful music ever written.
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