Thursday, January 01, 2026

Handel One

What better way to ring in the New Year than with an all-synthesizer version of The Messiah? I'm pretty sure I've shared an electronic version of an occasional track from this piece before, most frequently The Hallelujah Chorus, but this time they tackle the whole thing and not only are the synthesizers going guns-out, you've got some vocalists who are singing right along with 'em. It's good stuff I tell you. This will drive your hangover into overdrive, I'm sure. Have a loud listen to The Elmer Iseler Singers And The "Synthescope" Digital Synthesizer Ensemble-The Electronic Messiah (Moss Music Group (Canada) D-DMG-113, Stereo, 1982). From Canada, eh!

1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. And The Glory Of The Lord
3. For Unto Us A Child Is Born
4. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
5. Glory To God
6. Behold The Lamb Of God
7. Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs; And With His Stripes; All We Like Sheep
8. Hallelujah
9. Worthy Is The Lamb; Blessing And Honour; Amen

MEGA

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6 comments:

  1. BusterThursday, January 01, 2026 11:20:00 AM

    The university where I worked a long, long time ago put on a concert with the Elmer Iseler Singers, as I recall. Don't think they came with the "Synthescope" Digital Synthesizer Ensemble, however.

    I am far from being a purist, and I have a soft spot for 80s synthesizer music - but not in Handel, please!

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  2. JonathanTuesday, January 06, 2026 9:06:00 PM

    A person can never have too much Handel's Messiah, ;)
    will have to give this a listen. Thanks, Ernie :)

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  3. BryanTuesday, January 13, 2026 1:11:00 PM

    Very interesting indeed. I wished it had only ended sooner rather than later.
    In my opinion, I would have preferred a more subdued use of the synthesizers.

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    1. ErnieTuesday, January 13, 2026 2:27:00 PM

      This one was all about the synthesizers, though they have a professional choir on top of them. I've got another record by Elmer Iseler that I meant to put up with this one and didn't get to it. Still hoping to get that one out before I go back into hibernation for the year. :)

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