The Irish Baroque Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Peter Whelan, has released a landmark recording of Handel's Messiah, marking the first period-instrument rendition by an Irish ensemble. This ambitious project seeks to transport listeners back to the oratorio's 1742 premiere in Dublin, a historic event held at the Fishamble Street music hall.
Recreating a Historic Moment
Every year, the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Peter Whelan bring Messiah back to Dublin, the city where it first captivated audiences. Their new album on Linn Records meticulously attempts to recreate the version heard at that inaugural performance. The premiere was such a hot-ticket affair that attendees were advised to forgo fashion constraints—ladies were asked to leave hoops out of their skirts, and gentlemen to set aside their swords—to accommodate the anticipated crush.
Vocal Highlights and Soloist Contributions
One of the original attractions was the scandal-hit contralto and actor Susannah Cibber, who performed several arias. In this recording, contralto Helen Charlston takes on a substantial share of these parts, her voice described as firm, slightly metallic, and unflaggingly expressive. The album also features a less familiar duet-and-chorus version of How Beautiful Are the Feet, originally written for two countertenors from Dublin cathedral choirs, with Alexander Chance delivering a buoyant performance.
Chance additionally sings the two arias that Handel later adapted for his star castrato in London. Among the solo voices, Hilary Cronin's sweet-sounding soprano stands out, adding to the ensemble's dynamic range.
Orchestral and Choral Precision
Whelan draws a fleet-footed and agile performance from the orchestra, complemented by a choir of just 13 singers, including all the vocal soloists. Their singing is noted for its lightness and precision, creating an almost gossipy texture in certain passages. This intimate scale enhances the historical authenticity, reflecting the smaller forces likely used in the 1742 premiere.
Peter Whelan's Rising Profile
Formerly a bassoonist with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE), Peter Whelan is poised to become a leading figure in baroque music. He is set to take over from Nicholas McGegan as music director of San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque, underscoring his growing influence in the field. Whelan's direction in this Messiah recording is finely judged, balancing period-instrument authenticity with expressive agility.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra's Messiah not only honors Handel's legacy but also showcases Ireland's vibrant contributions to classical music. By revisiting the oratorio's beginnings, this album offers a fresh and historically informed perspective, appealing to both purists and new listeners alike.
