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There are so many choices to make with this work. Should you go for a small scale performance such as that from Naxos - the Scholars Baroque ensemble with members of the chorus singing the solo numbers (855 0667/8)? Moving up the price scale brings into range the Harry Christophers live 1986 recording using the Sixteen on Hyperion CDD22019. Also at mid price and worth consideration is Andrew Parrott's 1988 recording using the Foundling Hospital version. The strengths of this performance are the orchestra and choir (VMD5613302).
Over the years most conductors have taken the work into the studio but with mixed results. Some would say that Solti's Decca recording uses too large a chorus. Christopher Hogwood includes trebles and counter-tenors in his 1979 performance with the Academy of Ancient Music (430 4882 - full price).
Another recording blessed with excellent orchestra and chorus is from John Eliot Gardiner on Philips 434 2972 at full price. Also at full price is the Chandos recording under Richard Hickox. This 1991 recording has a fine team of soloists including Philip Langridge and the current 'flavour of the month' Bryn Terfel on CHAN 0522/3.
My own preference would be for Paul McCreesh on DG's Archiv label 4534642, a full price recording awarded the accolade of Gramophone's 'Recording of the Month' when it appeared. Recording quality is excellent and the whole is a great display of all round teamwork.
Two more recordings which merit a mention are from Sir Charles Mackerras using the 1789 Mozart arrangements, sung in German (DG Archiv 427 1732 - mid price). Finally there are the excesses of the Eugene Goossens re-orchestration for Sir Thomas Beecham in 1959 on 09026 612662. No one could ever claim that this was an authentic performance - the cymbal crashes see to that. Surprisingly no modern conductor has attempted to record this version.