‘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)

‘An imaginative programme of infrequently performed music by a great composer is always welcome, and this one should make a wide appeal’ (Gramophone)

‘An artist of unique vocal personality and intelligence’ (Gramophone)

‘Performances are fluent and stylish’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Kirkby’s talent for matching brilliant coloratura with dramatic urgency remains unparalleled … a compelling interpretation of rarely heard masterpieces’ (International Record Review)

‘A splendidly enjoyable disc. Kirkby is in top-notch form’ (Hi-Fi News)

«Existe-il vraiment d'autres chanteuses aussi inventives dans l'ornementation, aussi discrètes dans le bon goût, aussi sensibles à la ligne de chant? Le Brandenburg Consort de Roy Goodman officie dans l'allégressece récital au pinacle des disques consacrés à l'opéra haendelien» (Le Monde de la Musique, France)

‘It is difficult to pick out a particular highlight, there are so many of them’ (Classic CD)

‘[Emma Kirkby] remains a stylistic paragon … Recommended’ (The Sunday Times)