Handel – Messiah (Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus) 2 CDs

Label: Decca – Duo Series (438 356-2) 

Format: 2 × CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered 

Release Date: Originally recorded 1966, reissued 1993 

Genre: Classical 

Style: Baroque, Oratorio 

Total Duration: 2 hrs 23 mins 44 secs

Album Overview

George Frideric Handel’s timeless oratorio Messiah receives a distinguished performance under Sir Colin Davis, with the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. First recorded in London in 1966, this acclaimed Decca production presents Handel’s masterpiece in its complete three-part form, combining devotional intensity with dramatic clarity.

The recording features an outstanding solo quartet – Heather Harper (soprano), Helen Watts (contralto), John Wakefield (tenor), John Shirley-Quirk (bass) – accompanied by the distinguished London Symphony Choir. With Ralph Downes on organ, Leslie Pearson on harpsichord, and William Lang on trumpet, the interpretation achieves a balance of Baroque authenticity and modern orchestral power.

This Duo Series reissue comes with a 28-page multilingual booklet (English, German, French, Italian), offering scholarly liner notes and insights into Handel’s monumental work.

Track Highlights

• Part I – “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” “Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion”
• Part II – “Behold the Lamb of God,” “He Was Despised,” “Hallelujah”
• Part III – “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,” “The Trumpet Shall Sound,” “Worthy Is the Lamb / Amen”

Performer Credits

• Conductor: Sir Colin Davis
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Choir: London Symphony Choir (Chorus master: John Alldis)
• Soprano: Heather Harper
• Contralto: Helen Watts
• Tenor: John Wakefield
• Bass: John Shirley-Quirk
• Organ: Ralph Downes
• Harpsichord: Leslie Pearson
• Trumpet (in D): William Lang

Technical Details

• Recording Location: London, June 1966
• Sound: ADD (Remastered)
• Packaging: Slimline double jewel case with full booklet
• Barcode: 028943835626

Why This Recording?

Sir Colin Davis’s interpretation of Messiah has long been admired for its grandeur, stylistic precision, and vocal warmth. Unlike more stripped-down historically informed versions, this performance reflects a majestic, full-bodied orchestral approach that emphasizes both the spiritual depth and theatrical brilliance of Handel’s score.

A cornerstone of any serious Baroque collection, this Decca Duo set remains a reference recording for Handel’s Messiah.