Handel’s 'Messiah' is already very well-represented on the CD market with dozens of existing recordings and new productions appearing at regular intervals. Yet this is a very special version, carefully crafted, Halle Händel Edition in hand, from a Basel-based selection of fine vocal soloists and instrumentalists who have all graduated from the world-famous Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.

Under the fine direction of Daniela Dolci, singers Miriam Feuersinger, Flavio Ferri-Benedetti, Dino Lüthy and Raitis Grigalis join the ensemble Musica Fiorita for a moving studio recording made in October 2015. For obtaining the nuanced sound aesthetics which define this recording, the chosen cast is deliberately small: alongside the soloists, two voices per part were used for the choir, whereas the instrumental ensemble is composed of two violins and one oboe per part as well as a viola, cello, bassoon, violone, two theorbos, two harpsichords and two positive organs for the basso continuo group. The optimal balance is achieved with the use of natural trumpets without finger holes. All in all, a welcome breath of fresh air for one of the best-known compositions of all times.