The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Symphony under Andrew Davis are superlative in this recording. Messiah is so well known that it seems everyone is looking for a gimmick, but this recording is clean, clear, crisp and emminently listenable. Davis does not rush the tempo. Battle, Quivar, Aler and Ramey sing as if they believed the text. The orchestra and chorus have a full sound. This version is a familiar friend.