My favourite Oratorios

The list author says:
	"Concise plot, effective libretto.  I haven't heard this recording yet - I opted for the Naxos recording (B00000DAJF) over Hogwood's to avoid Thomas's ham, Bowman's bleating and Hogwood's conducting."

The list author says:
	"One of Handel's most dramatic and wellpaced oratorios and a good choice if you wish to avoid the more religious ones.  If only Minkowski would record it . . .  Miles, Dawson and Ainsley are superb."

The list author says:
	"Stunning.  Just listen to "Oh what pleasures past expressing..." and you'll be sold!"

The list author says:
	"/B00006JO45  God gets the girl: a fairly awful story spoiled thus, but saved by a well-written, dramatic libretto - and Handel's clever, wonderful setting.  Superb soloists, orchestra and conductor."

The list author says:
	"Excellent live recording with Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter among other brilliant soloists."

The list author says:
	"Another excellent recording - this one has Paul Agnew in the title role."

The list author says:
	"A dark tale, with a brilliant libretto (adapted from Milton), of reckless emotion, seduction, mixed loyalties and extreme prejudice.  An exquisite recording but far too complete.  Try B00004TSHU too."

The list author says:
	"I rather like this recording, despite the slightly disappointing conducting/orchestra and Drew Minter and David Thomas."

The list author says:
	"There's displeasing dullness about the sound quality, von Magnus' English is accented and Elwes is ugly.  But there's little choice: even McGegan's recording is problematic with its leaden orchestra."

The list author says:
	"Possibly Harnoncourt's most successful recording of an oratorio by Handel, though I'd rather hear Catherine Wyn-Rogers or Della Jones than Maureen Lehane as Cyrus and someone sweeter as Nitocris."

The list author says:
	"Apart from James Bowman's disgusting bleating and hooting (if only Taylor or Daniels would record it) this is an otherwise decent recording of a somewhat under-rated oratorio."

The list author says:
	"Thank goodness for Christie & LAF; the soloists are perfect . . . (Gritton just didn't get it; her singing is thoughtless, with poor acting ability, and she tends to sounds as if she's about to puke)."

The list author says:
	"I was pleasantly surprised by this recording.  I knew I would like Lorraine Hunt; not only is she wonderful, but the whole recording hangs together very well.  However, I am not a fan of David Thomas."

The list author says:
	"or B000E8N7QM.  There is little in the way of a plot - more a series of tableaux.  A great oratorio, however.  The singers are excellent, especially Della Jones as the Second Harlot."

The list author says:
	"The duet "From This Dread Scene" is so evocative it can make you shudder."

The list author says:
	"There's no plot - a military oratorio if ever there was one - but this is a marvellous work."

The list author says:
	"An excellent recording, though how Beauty can take Counsel (Truth) seriously when he has a voice like that I do not know . . . really should have used a contralto, not a countertenor (Falsettist)."

The list author says:
	"Simply ingenious; excellent soloists.  Unfortunately, the recent recordings by King and Nelson do not do the work justice, if only because of the soloists.  I await a recording by Christie & LAF."

The list author says:
	"One of the finest recordings available.  Try Pinnock's recording and for Lorraine Hunt, McGegan's highlights (B00005UONC - or the full recording: B0000007D4)."

The list author says:
	"Ann Hallenberg is, for me, the star of this excellent recording.  Try Minkowski's recording too (Jennifer Smith is superb in her performance of "Lascia la spina" - B000009JF7)."

The list author says:
	"/B000025IWP"

The list author says:
	"A tuneful serenata by William Boyce with lovely singing from Bronwen Mills and especially from Howard Crook."

The list author says:
	"/B000002ZRR  Thomas Linley the Younger's wonderful "Lyric Ode on the Fairies, Aerial Beings and Witches of Shakespeare"."

The list author says:
	"Why is this the only recording (besides Beecham's) in the original English?!  Try "The Creation" as well (B000003CYA)."

The list author says:
	"I'd recommend this recording of "Elijah" if you can't get hold of Marriner's recording (B00000413Y)."