Handel’s Messiah, Parts Two and Three

Saturday 9 May 2026, 5.00pm

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There are many Messiahs around these days, from those in the grandiose tradition of the

previous century or two, to the more recent reaction to seeking authenticity and renewed

understanding of Handel’s intentions and expectations. These have often been revelatory, but

not always in a good way, as the temptation for a novel take on an old favourite can go too

far.

All that was a prelude to saying that this performance was revelatory in the very best sense,

not by exaggeration or affectation, but by doing the important things really well. It was the

clearest and freshest Messiah I have ever heard.

Choir and orchestra were in tune with each other both literally and in spirit. Not only were

they each immaculate in their intonation and phrasing, but they were in perfect sympathy

together – something which made the unaccompanied moments like “Since by man came

death” especially poignant. Michael Fulcher has blend of technical mastery and wisdom rare

among choral conductors.

MBO’s playing is always first class; under Rachael Beesley’s guest leadership it was at its

finest; the bite of the agitated accompaniments to the arias “Why do the nations” and “Thou

shalt break them” was almost startling.

You don’t realise how rare such a performance of a work you know so well is, until you

experience it.

Richard Excell

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