These five splendid works for vocal soloists, chorus and orchestra were composed by Handel in the 1730s and 1740s. Treating both sacred and secular themes, they are inspired by the same dramatic genius that made Handel a master of opera. Conducting a dazzling array of soloists and Concentus Musicus Wien, the groundbreaking ensemble he established in the early 1950s, Nikolaus Harnoncourt unfolds their narratives with his customary flair, precision and immediacy.

Contents:

CDs 1-2: Messiah
- Elizabeth Gale (soprano)
- Marjana Lipovsek (alto)
- Werner Hollweg (tenor)
- Roderick Kennedy (bass)
Stockholm Kammerkören

CDs 3-4: Saul
- Saul: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
- Jonathan: Anthony Rolfe Johnson
- David: Paul Esswood
- Merab: Julia Varady
- Michal: Elizabeth Gale
- Apparition of Samuel: Matthias Hölle
- Witch of Endor, Abner, Amalekite, Doeg, High Priest: Helmut Wildhaber
Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor

CDs 5-6: Alexander’s Feast, Ode for St Cecilia’s Day
- Felicity Palmer (soprano)
- Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor)
- Stephen Roberts (bass)
Stockholm Bach Choir

CDs 7-9: Belshazzar
- Belshazzar: Robert Tear
- Nitocris: Felicity Palmer
- Cyrus: Maureen Lehane
- Daniel: Paul Esswood
- Gobrias: Peter van der Bilt
- Arioch: Thomas Sunnegårdh
- Messenger: Staffan Sandlund
Stockholm Kammerkören