Charles Mackerras - Handel: Israel In Egypt (2007)

"Mackerras's recording probably introduced a whole new generation to the once familiar magnificence of Israel in Egypt, and in the normal run of gramophone history it would enjoyed a kinder fate than to be superseded within five years by the Christ Church, Oxford recording under Simon Preston (Argo ZRG817/8, 4/76). That in turn has had to face competition from a similarly intense virtuoso performance under John Eliot Gardiner (Erato STU71245, 1/80). Compared with these, Mackerras's version is milder, less sharply etched in detail, less dramatic in impact. Even so, it is firmly directed, with fine orchestral playing and spirited choral work. It may well appeal afresh to listeners who feel they have had just a bit too much of conductors who burn so bright that their individuality tends to focus attention upon the performance rather than the work. The work itself, of course, has its own fire. Despite borrowings from Stradella and others, the inspiration is white-hot, and in the Plague choruses of Part 1 and ''The people shall hear'', in Part 2, Mackerras's forces rise worthily to the occasion." -- Gramophone [11/1985]