I have always loved and appreciated Handel's Messiah, having heard almost endlessly from infancy. And I also have a special love for Rutter and the Cambridge Singers. They have a touching way of bringing choral music to life. So when I heard that Rutter had recorded Handel's Messiah, I could scarcely believe my ears. A few months after its release, my parents gave it to me as a birthday present. It has lived up to my highest expectations; in fact, it surpassed them. Rutter delivers all the freshness he and his choir have won fame for, but he also gives a stupendously accurate performance. In other words, his freshness does not sacrifice the religious fervor and passion that is necessary for a truly satisfying performance. While this is not performed on period instruments, it can claim more historical accuracy than the vast majority of Messiah renditions.The soloists on this CD are all exceptional, especially James Gilchrist, the tenor. They do not exaggerate, but neither do they give us run-throughs. The meaning and message of each piece is revealed in a passionate way without resorting to hysteria as is sometimes done. While some soloists elsewhere may give satisfying performances, very few will match our soloists here.Even more rewarding are the Cambridge Singers. Despite their small numbers (around thirty), they give us an amazing clarity and detail that much bigger groups cannot match. Every part can be heard crystal clearly. Too often these choruses are turned into monotonous, boring chants. Not here. There is life on every page, as it were. But all the awe of worship and adoration is left in. One feels like singing along it is so alive and real. But the beauty given here is so breathtaking that few will feel worthy to sing along with such angelic voices. Rutter clearly has studied his scores; one can never get over the amazing balance we have between exaggeration and boredom. The Royal Philharmonic likewise shines under this genius. The sound quality is staggering - I can list on one hand the recordings have heard where the quality matches what we hear here. What more can I say? This CD is one that is simply indispensable.