While the tastes of the vast classical music CD-buying public --all 7 of them-- has moved on to more lean, agile performances with smaller choirs and authentic instruments, there are still reasons for buying this collection.  One of them is William Warfield, arguably one of the most wonderful Bass voices ever produced in this country.

For me, Warfield's rendering of the bass arias and recitatives of this work are the definitive ones.  Diction, intonation, voice quality, emotion, all are unsurpassed.  There is utter conviction.

Warfield also sings in the Bernstein recording; I have not heard that, and cannot comment.  There is a selection of most popular cuts from this album; it might be better value for most customers.

Eileen Farrell does a fair job with I know that my redeemer liveth.  And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has this going for it: they do sound like a good amateur choir, rather than a professional choir, which is (to me) a plus, since Messiah choruses have the feel of participation numbers rather than things you sit back and listen to.

Arch
While the tastes of the vast classical music CD-buying public --all 7 of them-- has moved on to more lean, agile performances with smaller choirs and authentic instruments, there are still reasons for buying this collection. One of them is William Warfield, arguably one of the most wonderful Bass voices ever produced in this country. For me, Warfield's rendering of the bass arias and recitatives of this work are the definitive ones. Diction, intonation, voice quality, emotion, all are unsurpassed. There is utter conviction. Warfield also sings in the Bernstein recording; I have not heard that, and cannot comment. There is a selection of most popular cuts from this album; it might be better value for most customers. Eileen Farrell does a fair job with I know that my redeemer liveth. And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has this going for it: they do sound like a good amateur choir, rather than a professional choir, which is (to me) a plus, since Messiah choruses have the feel of participation numbers rather than things you sit back and listen to. Arch