Handel: Messiah

Polyphony’s cultured, humane performances of Handel’s masterpiece have long been a pre-Christmas fixture at St John’s, Smith Square, in London, and this set, recorded there in December last year, testifies to the blend of brilliance and warmth that the choir and the versatile Britten Sinfonia (here adopting “historically aware” style) bring to the music. Four excellent soloists enhance the stirring, poignant impact.

Geoffrey Norris