In 1966, Robert Shaw released an original-score recording of the Messiah, and it was a revelation. It was the first "historically informed" performance of Handel's oratorio to be recorded on a major label, and instead of massive, sometimes bombastic orchestral and choral forces, Shaw used an ensemble such as Handel would have used in his day.
It changed everything, and we've never looked at the Messiah the same way since. Shaw's recording is our featured work this week. The Messiah -- complete -- starts at ten.
