VOCES8: Messiah by G. F. Handel

VOCES8 joins forces with the VOCES8 Scholars, Apollo5 and the Academy of Ancient Music to perform Handel's masterpiece conducted by Artistic Director, Barnaby Smith.
The performance was recorded and broadcast from Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge on 5th December 2018.
Part I
0:04 - Sinfony (instrumental)
3:17 - Comfort ye my people (tenor)
6:39 - Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (tenor)
9:59 - And the glory of the Lord (chorus)
12:50 - Thus saith the Lord of hosts (bass)
14:14 - But who may abide the day of His coming (alto)
18:25 - And he shall purify the sons of Levi (chorus)
20:48 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive (alto)
21:18 - O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (alto and chorus)
26:40 - For unto us a child is born (chorus)
30:49 - Pifa ("pastoral symphony": instrumental)
31:36 - There were shepherds abiding in the fields (soprano)
31:56 - And lo, the angel of the Lord (soprano)
32:16 - And the angel said unto them (soprano)
32:41 - And suddenly there was with the angel (soprano)
32:56 - Glory to God in the highest (chorus)
34:42 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion (soprano)
39:13 - Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened (soprano)
39:42 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd (alto and soprano)
45:19 - His yoke is easy (chorus)
Part II
47:39 - Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (chorus)
49:18 - And with his stripes we are healed (chorus)
51:14 - All we like sheep have gone astray (chorus)
55:09 - All they that see him laugh him to scorn (tenor)
55:48 - He trusted in God that he would deliver him (chorus)
57:55 - Why do the nations so furiously rage together (bass)
1:00:25 - Let us break their bonds asunder (chorus)
1:02:18 - He that dwelleth in heaven (tenor)
1:02:27 - Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron (tenor)
1:04:45 - Hallelujah (chorus)
Part III
1:08:42 - I know that my Redeemer liveth (soprano)
1:14:56 - Since by man came death (chorus)
1:17:21 - Behold, I tell you a mystery (bass)
1:18:00 - The trumpet shall sound (bass)
1:22:06 - Worthy is the Lamb (chorus)
1:25:49 - Amen (chorus)

[@asentoni]

I can't even begin to imagine being able to attend a concert at this level of purity, beauty and musicianship. I sat here bawling for approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. A true gift this is, Dear Barnaby Smith, Voces8, the Academy, and Apollo5. Thank you from the depths. I shall never forget this stunning performance.

[@kikivolauvent1]

@asentoni; and let's make sure that we send it to everybody we know and who love to sing, or truly appreciate the outstanding quality and purity of this presentation!

[@asentoni]

@@kikivolauvent1 Agreed!

[@davidjames-maddaford4531]

? For you, Sir? Crying for the beautiful and superb musicality, or, for the purpose of the work; to inspire one to be exulted to the Lord Jesus Christ? Both are admirable however for myself as a follower of Judaism the music itself exults me. I Thank You for taking time to read my question.

[@dpicardi23]

Glad I'm not the only one moved in this way. I think it is exactly what Handel intended when he wrote it.

[@timothyseigler4890]

Uh oh

[@UkeOne]

The 'balance' is the most notable characteristic of this performance. Not one voice (soloist or chorister) or instrument stands out of place. The blend is purely exceptional. This is without a doubt the most 'satisfying overall performance' of the MESSIAH that I have ever heard. BRAVO to VOCES8, Scholars, Apollo5 and AAM for this wonderful presentation!

[@martinfaust7197]

Eine wunderbare Aufführung - in dieser problematischen Zeit ein Wink des Himmels

[@phalinimcleod8819]

Anyone who has ever performed Handel's Messiah with a choir knows after hearing this, that his or her choir has been outdone. Love the enthusiasm and energy of the conductor! I can't stop smiling.

[@AnjaHuebel1]

That's Barney for you. Lovely guy!

[@walterpurdy8047]

Indeed, this is a brilliant performance, with loving and sensitive direction by Barney!!! Listening and watching this just makes me yearn for a return to whatever will be “normal” and ensembles to resume doing what is so organic to our being. I prefer to think of this as not “outdoing” our previous performances but, rather, being a level of excellence to which we can all aspire. BRAVO!!

[@isobelanderson9220]

Sang this in our high school choir 60 years ago - this is such a treat.

[@juliehoulding1271]

No. Equal ++ quality. Eboracum Baroque.

[@fyuuredhijgfzregjjygtdftyi6021]

"Unto Us" is often, ordinarily, performed like the famous half-life train, halving velocity with each half the remaining distance covered... and never getting to the ends of those arpeggios 😁

[@Ken_oh545]

As a seasoned old pro tenor who has performed The Messiah more often than I care to remember, I love this. It's so vivid and the brisker tempi are perfectly managed. Some commenters below are caught up in a jaded, referential mindset, so typical of 'Classical Music Lovers'. Why be always comparing x with y and banging on about how somebody famous performed this 50 years ago? Try to leave aside these sullied viewpoints, and approach the music as if for the 1st time, with innocent & fresh ears. Then you will hear Handel speak to you!

[@timryan894]

I really love this more intimate reprise of Messiah- its not over bloated. I can really hear some of the more minor instruments well and the vocal and instruments blends are simply perfect. I’ve never heard this precision of vocals in this piece before- I think this is how it was meant to be heard when it was written. Would have been amazing to experience this in person- what a treat for those in attendance. Thank you for this

[@ithaselebalo]

100%

[@normandriscoll3320]

This is the way Handel meant it to be performed; not by 108 New Yorkers and half the state of Utah, but by a chamber choir and ensemble. Kudos to Smith and Voces8 for this.

[@kikivolauvent1]

makes me cry - have we ever been able to sit so close together, to stand by each other and sing with a full voice and great enthusiasm like this? More relevant in 2020 than ever before. Renewed my LIKE today.

[@trudilitaunieks3815]

i value the simple things more than gold now

[@roseofgraceblessing]

I had the opportunity to participate in a Messiah Singalong with LA Chorus and orchestra, sitting with my daughter. 3000 people who all knew their stuff. Ahhh so glorious. I weep with the memory. Voces 8 has the purest sound. I always sing along with every part here in my little home in Iowa self isolating with the covid.

[@davidnelson-ht9er]

An absolutely outstanding performance totally wonderful and a great joy to listen to.

[@lancelot-]

The best performance of Händel's Messiah I have ever heard. Very likely that Händel himself rose from his tomb in Westminster Abbey to attend this perfect performance.

[@sandrasapp4766]

''"Well...!!! Enthusiastic... Huh!!!?'"'😅

[@mwnyc3976]

Wonderful cadenza on "Comfort ye", Blake!

[@KenWAnderson]

I love the energy expressed in Barnaby Smith's conducting.

[@AnjaHuebel1]

I love watching him when he performs with Voces8, too.

[@KenWAnderson]

@@AnjaHuebel1 I'm with you there too.

[@Mikeutoob1]

Yes, great fan of Barnaby

[@xiaoshou6752]

Part I 0:04 - Sinfony (instrumental) 3:17 - Comfort ye my people (tenor) 6:39 - Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (tenor) 9:59 - And the glory of the Lord (chorus) 12:50 - Thus saith the Lord of hosts (bass) 14:14 - But who may abide the day of His coming (alto) 18:25 - And he shall purify the sons of Levi (chorus) 20:48 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive (alto) 21:18 - O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (alto and chorus) 26:40 - For unto us a child is born (chorus) 30:49 - Pifa ("pastoral symphony": instrumental) 31:36 - There were shepherds abiding in the fields (soprano) 31:56 - And lo, the angel of the Lord (soprano) 32:16 - And the angel said unto them (soprano) 32:41 - And suddenly there was with the angel (soprano) 32:56 - Glory to God in the highest (chorus) 34:42 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion (soprano) 39:13 - Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened (soprano) 39:42 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd (alto and soprano) 45:19 - His yoke is easy (chorus) Part II 47:39 - Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (chorus) 49:18 - And with his stripes we are healed (chorus) 51:14 - All we like sheep have gone astray (chorus) 55:09 - All they that see him laugh him to scorn (tenor) 55:48 - He trusted in God that he would deliver him (chorus) 57:55 - Why do the nations so furiously rage together (bass) 1:00:25 - Let us break their bonds asunder (chorus) 1:02:18 - He that dwelleth in heaven (tenor) 1:02:27 - Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron (tenor) 1:04:45 - Hallelujah (chorus) Part III 1:08:42 - I know that my Redeemer liveth (soprano) 1:14:56 - Since by man came death (chorus) 1:17:21 - Behold, I tell you a mystery (bass) 1:18:00 - The trumpet shall sound (bass) 1:22:06 - Worthy is the Lamb (chorus) 1:25:49 - Amen (chorus) Feel free to correct me, there might really well be a few errors between those timestamps.

[@xiaoshou6752]

Well, seems like my timestamps made it into the description :). It was a pleasure to contribute!

[@ChristinaHills]

Thank you for putting together these time stamps

[@jbarrer2196]

I play piccolo trumpet and have played this music many times over the last 50 years. This is the best performance I have ever heard or played. It is so wonderful to hear a smaller chorus of talented singers so that all the words and notes get articulated. I even love the tympani solo at the end. Thank you for putting this up on KZbin for everyone to enjoy.

[@krpbdp]

What a combination, Handel and VOICES8, plus an incredible conductor. Watching his face is magic.

[@lisahinton9682]

@krpbdp The group's name is VOCES8.

[@johnmccarthy7146]

@@lisahinton9682i mom

[@johnmccarthy7146]

No

[@johnbasingstoke3026]

I have heard so many Messiah performances throughout my life, I've grown bored by the typical performances. I've never heard a performance like this one. Smith has given us wonderful clarity. He pays acute attention to both the musical and textual accents. I'm blown away by this GREAT performance.

[@kadiaharrison4334]

Stupendous performance!

[@thethikboy]

The conductor is almost dancing - which is of course completely appropriate and explains the joyful performance.

[@yahulwagoni4571]

Sacred dance was a widely observed tradition in the High medieval Roman Catholic Church. Due for a revival, don't you think?

[@katakhresis2796]

@@yahulwagoni4571 Not intended to be sacred though many have tried to put in that box. It's a carnival piece, an opera disguised as an oratorio.

[@amacater]

@@katakhresis2796 It's a mix. Opera houses shut for a period through Lent and Easter: this was a way to use good singers and get some performances (and revenue) in through that period. The libretto, however, is unashamedly a religious text - so it's a little of both - it was intended as a sacred oratorio but to use the talents of all available. First performance in Dublin was necessarily a relatively small affair - if I recall correctly, they borrowed 14 singers from Dublin Cathedral to fill the chorus parts. Huge Messiah performances - the thousand voice monsters - were a creature of the 19th and early 20th century. This is a historically informed performance: I'd love to hear more ensembles play Mozart's transcription / recomposition with clarinets more often :)

[@themusicianphilosophy6291]

A masterful performance. So good I forgot to eat dinner. It's now 10:30pm. Worth it.

[@mudgebauer]

bon apitit

[@jadrola]

@@mudgebauer what a wonderful comment :D I totally understand! :)

[@susiesmith8969]

@Themusicianphilosophy...I bet you weren't even hungry....you fed your soul, and heart. And hope for ALL the world. Thank you. Happy Holidays from the US.

[@evapajor6569]

😂

[@dpicardi23]

I sung the entire Messiah with my church choir 40 years ago. I still remember every note to this day. Handel was clearly touched by God as he wrote this. Amazing. This group is astoundingly good! Fast forward to 10 minutes in and if that doesn't bring a smile to your face I can't help you. ;) Thank you for bringing back such a wonderful memory.

[@alfredbackhus6110]

This is the most impressive interpretation of any classical music work I have ever heard. Unbelievable perfection.

[@ChiaraDBrown]

This is the most beautiful Comfort Ye I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@tjittemuizelaar]

Comfort ye ( Blake Morgan ) gives me shivers! So tender!

[@davidjames-maddaford4531]

Thank You for this version. To me, this is just so clean (tight as Pop or Jazz persons would say) however with that most distinct human touch. Very hard to achieve without many, many hours of hard wok. What a pay-off for the audience.Bravo, Brava!

[@CHEVILLY100]

LA MEILLEURE VERSION DU “ MESSIE ” QUE J'AIE JAMAIS ENTENDUE !!! MAGNIFIQUE !!!

[@dmfrye]

"And all flesh shall see it together." All flesh. Together. Thanks be to God!

[@tobiasjohansson8134]

Amazing how the audience manages to look so bored while listening to such fantastic music.

[@corocorachannel4235]

My favorite composer interpreted by my favorite choir. --> Happiness :)

[@johns7734]

I've heard bigger orchestras and choruses do this piece, but I've never heard better.

[@marcianobles7897]

A marvelous performance!

[@yahulwagoni4571]

Such a welcome change from the oversized orchestras and mosnter chorales. This is h ow it entered into Handel's mnd.

[@egoine12]

Pour moi aussi la plus belle version entendue et vue. Vive l'Angleterre (cette Angleterre-là :-), vive l'Europe, Haendel était un Européen !

[@tomilopes]

@@yahulwagoni4571 Do musical works ENTER composer's minds already complete and with a specific number of performers? Interesting and innovative theory...

[@jamesgibson2179]

This ensemble is perfect. Big choirs and orchestras can be overwhelming and diction blurred.

[@australianbloke3934]

Perfection. Simply that. I would also like to express my appreciation of the outstanding contribution made by the audio/video design and production engineers. After all, without them I would not be sitting here in my living room, with my headphones on, feeling that I am right there in the audience. It doesn't get any better than this.

[@johnstrickland3373]

Wow, i just thought how happy G.F. Handel is. knowing his work is being so perfectly performed. centuries. after being. composed.

[@tomradcliffe7084]

Astonishing and beautiful. I have known and loved this work for 50 years, and I thought that nothing could surpass the performances I had heard. I was wrong. Even ignoring the fact that this was a live performance, it is a triumph. Please, please record this!

[@suzannelebizarre5705]

LOVE Christmas Choral music...used to be a choral singer too...Christmas being my favorite time of year...know and love them all...but being OLDER now, my voice is gone and can't join in anymore...and I hate that...not being able to sing...sighs..LOVED this performance...of course!

[@karlgrafvonmoy883]

Finally the interpretation that even Händel would accept, absolutely glorious!

[@melanieohara6941]

An Easter Treat, during CovidLockdown in Wyoming. Thank you!😷💞🌟

[@geraldarcuri9307]

A performance against which others will be measured... and found wanting. Superb.

[@nicholasburbo9016]

This is what true MASTERY of vocal technique and style looks like. I am almost speechless while listening to this.

[@ignaciodiorio8943]

I thought the same: what a wonderful way to sing , until the very end of this enormeus masterpiece. These guys are splendid. So happy to have found this version!!!!!

[@dirkhoekstra727]

Absolutely fricken LOVE Eleanore and Jonathan's voices here!!

[@north_star]

Superb conducting and orchestra, wonderfully clear and balanced singing with choristers who are soloists and soloists who are choristers, a real treat thank you

[@letshavewarmhearts406]

It is quite obvious to me that the conductor truly feels the power of the lyrics in his soul!

[@ILoveMagic15]

You guys make me so happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your work on KZbin. Musical perfection combined with a consistently high-class recording quality and audio engineering. You really make this world a better place.

[@ggmoneotv]

Listening to these stunnishing soloists I have understood the meaning of that italian sentence related to operatic singing "..si canta come si parla.." . Bravo !!

[@michaelpenyard7129]

Another year - and we approach Easter again; it used to be the time to gang up in a choral society, with visiting soloists, a scratch band, to 'do Handel's Messiah'. In my early teenage it was my first experience of being part of a big concert, hundreds of people in the audience (including my mum), alongside professional musicians. But this performance got me by the scruff of the neck, Barnaby. I'm coming up to 82 years more experienced now. I thought that, as a mega fan of Voces8, I'd dip in to hear what you did with this 'old warhorse' - but (like a good book) I couldn't put it down! Had to listen to every note & phrase, attack & cadence. I bet you didn't sleep that night, your adrenalin must have been pumping! Thank you.

[@evapajor6569]

'old warhorse' 😂 Abd you're right, of course!

[@williamc.hensel130]

Barney dances with Handel and angels - of dozens of recordings and scores of live performances I've heard or sung in this is the most balanced and joy-full performance of a masterpiece that every choir on earth has sung. Hallelujah, tears and laughter indeed. The ensemble work is exceptional, and each soloist is excellent; I am most moved by the very tall, very beautiful high soprano Andrea Haines and the super-smooth bass-baritone Jonathan Pacey; everyone between is wonderful as well.

[@williamc.hensel130]

And it's grotesque that KZbin interpolates occasional adverts in this transcendent celebration.

[@mungmungie]

I'm just blown away by this performance. I used to dread Christmas because I never heard the piece performed well. The unintended hilarity of "..we like sheep!" would send me in into uncontrollable convulsions, and the missed cues and flubbed high notes were truly cringeworthy. But then I heard one of the first performances of the original score, and that was jaw-dropping. Becoming familiar with Voces 8, learning to hear their individual voices (Katie, you're an absolute heart-melt!) and being amazed every time was good preparation for listening to this. It was so overwhelming, I literally laid on the floor and closed my eyes to give it my full attention.

[@HoenischCOB]

I love the passion and the dedication of the conductor. Bravo

[@johnwoodbridge1040]

Incredible performance. Each note is precise and infused with musical love. A new standard indeed!

[@iWorship3in1]

The definitive performance of Messiah, IMHO.

[@alisonalcock5218]

Glory to God! I've just filled Christmas morning with the heavenly sound of this Messiah. The AAM, the choir, the soloists and Barney, dancing his and everyone's way through, had me bursting with joy! The best

[@davidjames-maddaford4531]

I do not these people, young Lady, however I do respectfully agree. This is superb musicality, performance and just a joy to listen to.

[@susiesmith8969]

@David...you missed Handel's point in the creation of this miraculous work of musical and vocal art unlike all others in time.

[@ratkillerthe]

No he terminado de ver el video aun pero les quiero agradecer por tan hermosa interpretación de esta obra, sigan así VOCES8 #GreetingsFromVenezuela

[@masterpye69]

The soloists are just from the best in the World !!! So pure soprani, with toughing and precise voices ! So wonderful alto with very nice interpretation ! I'm fascinated by your version and the wonderful quality of interpretation, dear artists of Voices8, guests and orchestra musicians !

[@heatherwearne5665]

Oh my goodness. I am so grateful for this moving, emotionally tight performance of this much loved work. Thank you Barnaby Smith , Voces8 and orchestra . You aren’t go-to music here in COVID lockdowns in Melbourne. I come here every day to find yet another performance to fill my day. This Messiah is close to perfect and I’m pretty sure Handel would agree.

[@heatherwearne5665]

Edit: you ARE my go-to music # 😀😀

[@barbaraferreira9115]

I can't believe there was not a standing ovation after this stunning, moving, incredible performance! You certainly have me on my feet and applauding, well well done!!!

[@jovetj]

The audience looked dead to me.

[@jbarrer2196]

The audience were glued to their seats.

[@Dozychimp]

And only half stood for the Hallelujah chorus. Remarkable that all the vitality of the entire performance they really just couldn't be bothered.

[@MackerelSkyLtd]

Love the Contralto here-a nice, countertenor-like style, light but present.

[@allegracarlton4411]

wonderful to listen and sing along to during this last week of Covid-19 Advent!

[@francoislebedel4428]

Sublime. Je retrouve - à 1:08:42- avec émotion la voix si pure d'Andréa Haines ! un joyau.

[@JonathanCohenYale1990]

This should be put out on CD or SACD. It is a true benchmark performance.

[@sarahmkwinter]

Eleonor's voice is sublime (Sop in He shall feed his flock). Absolutely stunning.

[@jadrola]

Transient tones are heard perfectly! This choir and the altos in it are superb.

[@Emilianbogdan]

Best version of the Oratorio that I've heard till now. You play excelent music, keep going Voces8

[@gramps2matt]

Bravo and thank you so much for uploading this video of the performance. I've been waiting over 6 months for it. The various camera angles added to the enjoyment. (not that just looking at Barnaby conducting was bad) Hoping to see more full concerts in the future.

[@wendyscott8425]

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful performance of this work, from the perfect chorus and soloists to the instruments just as Handel would have known them played so perfectly. Wonderful!

[@tastenliebhaber]

One of the best performances I´ve ever listened to.

[@ianhendra4836]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you. One of those rarest of performances where the choir, soloists, orchestra and conductor are dextrous and sympathetic enough to handle Handel's Messiah as I believe he intended it to be performed. So much of the wonderful subtlety and nuance is missed when it's performed by multitudes!

[@allenblaine6551]

To each his own.. Morman Tabernacle did an outstanding MESSIAH with hundreds performing

[@tomradcliffe7084]

Amen, brother!

[@matthiasbrandt1252]

Any performance by the Mormons is overshadowed by the sadness that they are in a cult. If they could truly understand the words in the Messiah, they would not be Mormons anymore.

[@MarkDurivet]

Mighty Sound ! Wonderful Performance ! Best 'Messiah' ever-heard ! Lovely Choir, Orchestra and Soloists ! Great Conductor ! every Noun starts with a Capital

[@michaelrosenfield3163]

WOW! WOW! WOW! Pure music, pure voice! Pure heaven!

[@jewelsevers6856]

By far one of the best recordings I have ever heard

[@dumsbaby]

Wonderful performance. Thanks for uplifting me. I am currently going through my second replay. Thanks for making my day so much better!

[@peacedee255]

Right! Me too

[@jamesgibson2179]

Absolutely perfect and exquisite. The best performance I have ever heard.

[@margaretkuwata6794]

I'm a mezzo who sings alto II for my high school choir. We just performed "And the Glory" for lessons and carols. The altos called it our baby because we actually get to lead that one. The fact that I've sung this makes it much more meaningful and joyful for me to watch. Also, Katie's solo in "Behold, a virgin.." delights me because I'd never heard that darn voice before. I guess she just blends well. That's needed but, yeah, I never got to hear her individually until now. Any alto solo makes me happy. Again, I sing alto, so I'm like that. This video makes me want to join the British choral scene even more. I'm a choral fanatic. I want music to be a big part of my future and this inspires that even more. Just putting it out there. Y'all are amazing! Great job, Katie!! And Eleonore, too!!

[@pete4096]

I also love the alto aria "He was despised"! (But it was not part of this performance.)

[@moniquereed3294]

Marvelous! The musicians are just as superb as the singers, and there's a nice balance between the two. The voices are also nicely balanced one part against another. Kudos to all!!!

[@lanciepants8083]

Hehe. Singers =/= musicians?

[@royaboagyedjan4632]

Beautiful Rejoice air. All the soloists theme and interpret the solos with absolute magnificence

[@karenblust814]

MAGNIFICENT! This most difficult masterpiece so masterfully, perfectly balanced and executed. This is what is of heaven. Thank you! 😢

[@richardduffy7926]

Handel’s masterpiece performed superbly. If I remember correctly, Handel composed this oratorio in a very short time.

[@kwlloyd7]

A week, I believe! Our conductor (who visits our community choir from a city two hours away) always reminds us of Handel’s amazing achievement. It makes such a difference to have a conductor who’s a believer!

[@miguelastor1]

The soprano Eleonore Cockerham is really sublime. I have never heard a better version than this.

[@gioachinolorelli5138]

Miguel Astor: Have you ever heard the AAM with Hogwood (1980) Version? This is very good, but the 80's is an assolute reference masterwork. Cockersm is fine, but Kirkby ... oh my god ... Emma Kirkby ... Sublime

[@davidparmly8828]

She is formidable. I watched this live on Easter morning...sublimity defined.

[@davidparmly8828]

Gioachino Lorelli Agreed but this is close to that!

[@mckavitt13]

Miguel Astor Watch Lynne Dawson Live here on KZbin if you want sublime: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apaomKJogL-AmNU

[@AnjaHuebel1]

@@gioachinolorelli5138 No-one reaches Emma Kirkby's heights, true!

[@albertoannesi9540]

Wonderful performace, In real spirit of Handel. Amazig soloists!!!!

[@francklavoine953]

Super ! Tant sur le plan musical qu' esthétique ! Bravo et merci !

[@raymondtogtman1047]

They omitted one of my favorite numbers: But Thanks be to God. Actually, they omitted about 33%.

[@carlosantoniolopezluna9427]

Handel en VOCES8...Fantástico!!!

[@kimdam0629]

perfect performance de Messiah♡ Merci a vous tous!

[@jacobbnjmn]

Sublime, unsurpassable!

[@gkrabbekrabbe]

I was blessed to STUMBLE upon voces8 rendition of Bethlehem down 2 days ago and I've been ravenously listening to them. Today I discovered this. I immediately began to weep for the numinous and sublime and pure and perfect beauty... and I'm only 3 minutes in!!

[@citrixman]

Very well done ... bravo ! ❤️ from Arizona USA

[@juergentietze3876]

Wundervoll - die beste Interpretation von Haendels Messiah, die ich je gehört habe...

[@andrewpfeiffer6218]

Lean, precise, with a spring in its step. Exactly as it should be, not the anachronistic monstrosity that used to be so common.

[@h11b3]

Opvallend mooi en anders...

[@lialiniawatychristian.]

Messiah is good news for the world.

[@Apriluser]

Amen! The Good News.

[@hyphen7000]

The Alto!

[@dickie1512]

The finest performance I have heard in a long career

[@tnticesp]

Wow. An amazing rendition. had goosebumps and tears. Barnaby's expressive conducting was anazing, and yes the Halleluyah chorus was fantastic. An unusual balnce of singers in that the bases were outnumbered by the tenors by 50 percent and the sopranos by the altos by 20 percent, whereas normally bases and sopranso are normally more dominant. Did anyone else ntoice that the bases got reinforcements in the latter part?

[@evapajor6569]

The tenors really shine through but I actually love it. Basses are just right (supported all through by the cellos) in my opinion. I could have done with a hint more sopranos.

[@febronius1]

Bravo svima,posebice pozdrav Bojanu i Katie, iz Hrvatske

[@jitkaferstova]

Tenor has beautiful tembre od voice

[@richardforshaw8479]

Fabulous vitality! The drums are stupendous- the closing Amens are unbelievable!

[@Hakausu]

This is such a gift! THIS was the way Handel wrote his "Messiah" to be performed. AAM understood that and has presented it in a small group as intended. It is much harder, as each voice and instrument must be truly excellent, but the reward is a clear, unmuddied sound, perfect timing and clarity that is unmatched in larger groups. Thank you!

[@kadiaharrison4334]

Stupendous performance !

[@emmanuelfoy1947]

Cela fait plusieurs fois que j'écoute attentivement cette version. j'avoue être charmé par la qualité vocale , les contrastes dans les tempo l'interprétation plein de délicatesse des solistes, les tempi de certains chœurs auraient pu être un peu plus lents

[@HayatFakkar]

This is sooo wonderful. Thank you!

[@25rodrigomg]

Simply. Brilliant. Thank you for blessing us with this recording!

[@michellecostea1864]

Beautiful, loved the passion of the conductor.

[@chrisvanstaden2145]

I love the tenor's voice!!!

[@as115476]

Oh man this is beautiful. I have to say it felt a little fast to me and I miss “ The people that walk in darkness” but maybe that isn’t featured in this version. Rejoice was awesome though!

[@orlandoiannuzzifilho]

Belíssima interpretação.

[@astridnordholt106]

What a blessing to have this recording to watch and listen to on this Easter Day in quarantine! Thank you so much, Voces8. You are magnificent, and Christ is risen!

[@Apriluser]

He is risen indeed even in Advent 2020. Thanks be God!

[@viviant4777]

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalms 2:1‭-‬4‭, ‬9 KJV) HALLELUJAH!