Review: BBC PROMS: PROM 65: HANDEL'S MESSIAH, Royal Albert Hall

The climax to the Proms' Choral Day could only be George Frideric Handel's majestic Messiah. This 1789 arrangement by Mozart was performed by The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, joined by an incredible six (yes six) choirs, conducted by an ebullient John Butt.

Messiah was originally an Easter composition; it debuted at Musick Hall in Dublin on April 13, 1742. This version, made for private Vienna concerts by Mozart in 1789 and updated by him subsequently, had not been heard at the Proms for 40 years. Mozart took Handel’s original instruments and expanded them to include horns, trombones, bassoons, flutes and clarinets. However, we heard the piece in English, rather than Mozart's preferred German.

Amazingly, Handel composed Messiah in somewhere between three and four weeks in August and September 1741. It is not a piece about religion, but about Handel's interest in human nature. It runs the full gamut of human emotion; from the delight and intrigue in the coming of Christ, to the anguish of his Passion, to the absolute joy of the "Hallelujah" choruses. 

333 singers, filling row upon row of seats behind the orchestra, brought the piece to life. Led by the Philharmonia Chorus, the Bath Minerva Choir; The Fourth Choir; Jason Max Ferdinand Singers; London Youth Chamber Choir; and Voices of the River’s Edge came together in remarkable synchronicity, managed with great skill by Butt's careful conducting.

Tenor Benjamin Hulett was crisp and clear in delivery, with some beautiful delicacy from soprano Nardus Williams. Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston sang "He Was Despised"  with a powerful blend of passion and sensitivity, but lacked projection at points. The bass-baritone Ashley Riches got deep into his part with a lovely richness, but needed a little more depth occasionally.

Stephen Farr was also wonderful on the Royal Albert Hall’s organ, projecting an enormous sound which vibrated around the hall.

This was a Messiah with audience participation; a workshop was included before the performance for those inclined. As the organ began the introduction to "Hallelujah", Butt signalled that the audience should stand. This occurred again for the final "Amen". A worthy sentiment, it proved joyful, if a little distracting from the spectacular finale.

The BBC Proms continues at the Royal Albert Hall until 14 September

Photo Credits: BBC / Andy Paradise 

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