Believe it or not this famous performance, lately available as a Philips Duo, actually disappeared from the domestic catalog this past year. Thank heaven it’s back! Along with Mackerras’ EMI recording, which appeared at the same time (1966/67), Davis’ Messiah established the standard for properly scaled, tastefully ornamented renditions using modern instruments. Like all classic recordings, the musical values embodied on these two well-filled discs haven’t diminished a bit. You can still enjoy Davis’ lively and sympathetic direction, enthusiastic singing and playing by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, two fabulous female soloists, and though the men are a bit less distinguished, they certainly don’t drag the standards down to any significant degree. The remastering doesn’t significantly improve things sonically, and didn’t need to. Now let’s hope Philips leaves the bloody thing alone long enough for a new generation of Messiah listeners to discover its excellence. [4/27/2001]
