The Irish Baroque Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Peter Whelan, have released a recording of Handel's Messiah that recreates the version heard at its 1742 Dublin premiere. This is the first recording of the oratorio on period instruments by an Irish ensemble.
The performance features only 13 singers, including all vocal soloists, resulting in a light and precise sound. Conductor Peter Whelan leads a fleet-footed performance, with the choir's singing described as almost gossipy in places.
The recording includes a substantial share for contralto Helen Charlston, whose voice is firm and expressive. It also features a less familiar duet-and-chorus version of 'How Beautiful Are the Feet', written for two countertenors from Dublin cathedral choirs. Countertenor Alexander Chance is in buoyant voice, singing arias Handel later adapted for his star castrato in London. Soprano Hilary Cronin stands out among the solo voices.
Peter Whelan, formerly a bassoonist with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, is set to become music director of San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque, succeeding Nicholas McGegan.
