Joshua

"The chorus are all-important in this work, and the NDR Chor do not disappoint, with very good English and flexible singing that responds fittingly to every situation. The occasional orchestra are also great, the trumpets and drums revelling in the full ceremonial moments of the battles, and the various instrumental solos sounding very good ... Cummings directs the whole thing with an unfailing ear for the drama but never losing sight of the music's beauty ... There isn't a lot of competition for Joshua on disc, so this one is all the more to be welcomed".

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"The oratorio crackles alarm at a theatrical pace. The Göttingen Festival Orchestra perform with marvellous flexibility ... The orchestra prefer solemnity over mere bellicosity in the grand march illustrating the circumvention of the Ark of the Covenant ... It's easy to see why Handel's knockout blow impressed Haydn, who heard it at Westminster Abbey in 1791".

"Collegium Cartusianum play stylishly and with impressive detail, and the choral singing and English pronounciation of the Cologne Chamber Choir is generally impeccable ... Neumann, who directs with sure pacing, ideal shaping of phrasing and notable sensitivity for textures".