Our Review
George Frederic Handel's Messiah is an enormous, magnificent piece for the holiday season. On this excellent album, the Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Indianapolis, which has existed since 1883, tackles choral highlights from Parts I & II under the very capable direction of Frederick Burgomaster. The Indianapolis Festival Orchestra Chamber Ensemble provides distinguished accompaniment; it, too, is under Burgomaster's direction.
The choir and ensemble handle this challenging material admirably. The young men (Andrew Breuninger, Tyler Webb, Daniel Segner) who handle the demanding solo treble roles have an especially difficult task, and they do rise to the occasion. The other soloists (countertenor Steven Rickards, tenor Christopher Freeze, and bass-baritone Stanley Irwin) also impress. Although everything works quite well, the most memorable bits are the opening "Chorus/And the Glory of the Lord," the closing "Chorus/Hallelujah," and particularly the joyous "Chorus/For Unto Us a Child Is Born."
Those who enjoy classical choral music will be attracted to the men and boys singing Messiah with such aplomb. So sing "Hallelujah," you internationally-acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Indianapolis! Your name is a real mouthful, but the music that springs from your mouths is even more impressive!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
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From the liner notes:
George Frederic Handel's Messiah
Highlights from Parts I & II
Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Indianapolis The Indianapolis Festival Orchestra Chamber Ensemble Frederick Burgomaster, Conductor
Andrew Breuninger, Treble
Tyler Webb, Treble
Daniel Segner, Treble
Steven Richards, Countertenor
Christopher Freeze, Tenor
Stanley Irwin, Bass-Baritone
The Very Rev. Robert Giannini - Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis
Producer: George H. Benn
Executive Producer: Lee Smith
Formed in 1883, the Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, Indianapolis under the direction of Frederick burgomaster has achieved an international reputation for excellence in choral music.
Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys Indianopolis
Messiah
Artist link
Label: Four Winds
Length: 63 minutes
Genre: Choral
Release: 2005
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Chorus / And The Glory Of The Lord |
| Recitative / Thus Saith The Lord |
| Recitative / Behold, A Virgin Shall Concieve |
| Air & Chorus / O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion |
| Chorus / For Unto Us A Child Is Born |
| Recitative / There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field |
| Recitative / And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord Came Upon Them |
| Recitative / And The Angel Said Unto Them |
| Recitative / And Suddenly There Was With The Angel |
| Chorus / Glory To God |
| Air / Refoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion |
| Recitative / Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind |
| Air / He Shall Feed His Flock |
| Chorus / His Yoke Is Easy, And His Burthen Is Light |
| Chorus / Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs |
| Chorus / And With His Stripes We Are Healed |
| Chorus / All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray |
| Recitative / All They That See Him, Laugh Him To Scorn |
| Chorus / He Trusted In God |
| Recitative / Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart |
| Air / Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow |
| Recitative / He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land Of The Living |
| Air / But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul In Hell |
| Chorus / The Lord Gave The Word |
| Air / How Beautiful Are The Feet |