‘This is a model among live recordings’ (The Guardian)

‘The performance is one of extraordinary quality. Unequivocally recommended’ (Sydney Morning Herald)

‘This performance enjoys vitality and sensitivity in equal measure; indeed it is a finely-judged intimate yet outgoing account, tempos unerringly judged. Polyphony’s youthful voices are a joy throughout, and the soloists avoid heaviness of expression without undoing the significant sentiments expressed (Julia Doyle’s coloratura is impressive, and Iestyn Davies’s renown seems fully justified). The famous arias and choruses are not weighed-down with pre-conception, Stephen Layton saving the grandest utterance for ‘Worthy is the Lamb … Amen’ as a truly fulfilling conclusion’ (Hi-Fi Critic)

‘Layton’s direction of the oratorio is wholly convincing … he often sets brisk tempi but the speeds always make sense and his performers are able to cope well and to articulate the music with pleasing clarity. However, this is not a hasty or brusque Messiah. The reflective numbers are as well done as are the joyful or the dramatic ones. Layton clearly loves the work and that shows through in his direction of it. It almost goes without saying that Hyperion’s production values are excellent. The sound is clear and pleasing. The booklet notes are good and the full libretto is provided, albeit in quite small type. This is a fine Messiah, which I have enjoyed greatly and to which I know I’ll return often in the future. It’s a significant contribution to the Handel anniversary celebrations’ (MusicWeb International)

‘Polyphony are excellent … and Layton's direction is vivid and masterly’ (The Sunday Times)

‘Layton understands the dramatic character of Handel's realization of the Christian story, but it's really the musical realizations here that are so compelling—and refreshingly unidiosyncratic—that you easily can hold this Messiah as your standard reference… This is the most satisfying quartet of Messiah soloists to appear in a very long time … it will instead encourage repeated listening by virtue of its trueness to Handel's music and its uncompromisingly fine performances’ (Classics Today)

‘Polyphony's cultured, humane performances of Handel's masterpiece have long been a pre-Christmas fixture at St John's Smith Square and this set, recorded ther in December last year, testifies to the blend of brilliance and warmth that the choir and the versatile Britten Sinfonia bring to the music. Four excellent soloists enhance the stirring, poignant impact’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘Stephen Layton and his choir Polyphony are formidable performers’ (The Mail on Sunday)

‘Choral lightness and Layton's airy tempos convey the general feeling of good news … the quality of Julia Doyle's voice, shining, is fine, and 'Rejoice Greatly' finds her full of exultant expectancy at the thought of the Saviour's coming. The orchestra accompanies her with a springing step … a worthy addition to the discography’ (International Record Review)

‘The new release has both a fine sense of style and is full of refreshing insights … the choir … sings with an effortless control and well-modulated fluency that takes wing … the a cappella introduction of the final Amen is a masterstroke … Polyphony's new Messiah gives the daughters of Zion cause to Rejoice Greatly’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘The music-making here has … the lightness, texutures and vocabulary of period style, but there is also the spritual grandeur … of the great Northern choral society tradition … the soloists are ideal. Julia Doyle is a charismatic Angel/narrator in the pastoral scene, and her embellished recapitulation of 'I know that my Redeemer liveth' is spine-tingling. Andrew Foster-Williams' singing is marvellous … the well-rounded tone and technical precision of Iestyn Davies's singing is easy to enjoy, but it is equally significant that his ornamentation in 'But who may abide' is masterful for its stylish vocabulary and expressive wisdom’ (Gramophone)

‘If you only listen to one Messiah this Christmas, Stephen Layton and Polyphony's live recording should be it … Layton's interpretation has matured into something of infinite variety, clear insight and spiritual substance’ (Classic FM Magazine)