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Title: Don't forget Beecham 1959 and Sargent 1946
Review: I would not presume why anyone might be listening to this music. For me and many others, claims of any literal truth to the Christian narrative have nothing to do with it. The power of the music, and its appeal to our sense of what is possible in our own lives is more than enough to inspire every feeling described by the previous reviewer.That said, this is an excellent performance, though many people consider Sargent's 1946 performance to be better. The Huddersfleld Choral Society was at its peak at that time, and the Dutton transfer is at least arguably better than the present one. Of course, you could obtain both versions, and others, including the masterful 1959 Beecham account (available on RCA), and enjoy this glorious music in your own way for yourself.
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