Benedictine Abbey Church, Ottobeuren, Bavaria - Germany

Handel: The Messiah Choruses

From the sounds of Christmas carols drifting through the night air to the clang-clang of bells to the bustle of holiday shoppers, these are the familiar sounds of the holiday season. Some of the world's greatest classical compositions have been inspired by this joyous and spiritual season, with none more moving than Handel's extraordinary 'Messiah.'

This volume of the NAXOS MUSICAL JOURNEY takes you inside Bavaria's famed Benedictine Abbey Church for both an intimate and spectacular view of this holy architectural wonder. Handel's profound music soars through the church on a wave of choral voices, echoing across the ages and across the world. This classic holiday favorite is as sacred and enduring as the Benedictine Abbey itself, with its religious paintings, ornate rococo design, altars, and three towering organs. This is music for the ages, to be enjoyed season after season.

1. Overture (Sinfonia) (3:04)
2. And the glory of the Lord (2:53)
3. And He shall purify (2:36)
4. For unto us a Child is born (4:00)
5. Pastoral Symphony (Pifa) (3:05)
6. Glory to God in the highest (1:54)
7. His yoke is easy (2:19)
8. Behold the Lamb of God 3:24)
9. Surely He hath borne our griefs (2:24)
10. And with His stripes we are healed (1:46)
11. All we like sheep have gone astray (3:49)
12. He trusted in God (2:25)
13. Lift up your heads O ye gates (2:57)
14. Let all the angels of God worship Him (1:28)
15. The Lord gave the word (1:09)
16. Their sound is gone out (1:26)
17. Hallelujah (3:44)
18. Since by man came death (2:08)
19. But thanks be to God (1:57)
20. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (3:33)
21. Amen (3:29)

Bratislava City Choir
(Chorus Master: Ladislav Hol¯sek)
Capella Istropolitana
Jaroslav Kr(e)chek, Conductor

Running time: 56 minutes

Multiple Audio Tracks

• Dolby Digital Surround Audio (5.1)
• DTS Surround Audio (5.1)
• Dolby Digital Stereo Audio (2.0)