Handel: Messiah (Complete Oratorio)
There are two English Davises, both conductors: Colin and Andrew--no relation. Colin recorded a landmarkMessiahwhich is still available on Philips at budget price. This one is another matter entirely. Andrew Davis certainly knows this music, and he hits the big moments with gusto. ButMessiahis more than big moments, and despite an excellent cast of soloists, there's too little involvement with the music (especially from Kathleen Battle) in the arias and more intimate moments to make this a clear recommendation. It's not bad, but the competition is just that much better.--David Hurwitz