Gardiner's Messiah (1982)

 I grew up behind the Iron Curtain, where stuff like Messiah was not of interest to the working class, much less to the cooperated peasants. Things eased up in the mid-1980s, and the first Messiah I got to hear was an ETERNA pressing of Hogwood's recording. I listened with interest, but nothing in it prepared me for Gardiner's recording, which promptly came up as a Hungaroton pressing. There was it all: spiritual entertainment for gentlemen with a taste for fox hunting. Muscular but flexible, never pompous, fantastic choir, excellent soloists. 40 years and many sound systems later, I still cannot find a Messiah not only better performed, but also better recorded. The Philips engineers have created a miracle, consistent, holographic and yet warm and welcoming. One for the ages. 

Hello World, etc.

As a social being, I enjoy talking about the things I like, once in a while. This blog will be about my favourite recordings of classical music. Some I will only mention, about others I may write a bit more, comparing or not comparing them to alternatives. I will avoid saying "the best" as much I can, and I will never talk about "the worst".

I've got the vague idea that my opinions might be of some help to young collectors - otherwise, why write at all? My innermost wish is to see more blonde, brown and red hair at classical concerts among the grey (like mine). But I don't see myself as a mentor of any kind. If I won't read or answer comments, it is because I have burnt my fingers at various blogs and discussion groups. Needless to say, I won't try monetisation of any kind. Have fun or go away, the world is wide and often good.