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SITE RATING:  7/10 SITE REVIEW: This admirable holiday 1982 release by The Salvation Army is a starry affair with the addition of actor Charles Heston as narrator, who gives a brief introduction to the program, and reads several scriptural passages throughout in his unmistakable stentorian tone. The Roger Wagner Sinfonia Orchestra plays with a very proper, staid attitude - precise and cool, with Wagner's tempos safe and square.  Tenor Byron Wright is similarly expert - a bit more full-throated than I prefer, but giving a clean, detached performance.  The Chorale sings with thick intensity, very much of a match for the Orchestra with their precise, but occasionally flat, performance.  Bass Douglas Lawrence brings a welcome dramatic intensity to "Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts" and "But Who May Abide" - my only note being that he varies the melody with ear-catching, but not unattractive results. Alto Alice Baker is similarly fiery and proud during "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings" giving a startlingly adept, and similarly changed-up variation of the melody, all to good effect.  Maurita Phillips Thornberg's soprano arias are lovely - she possesses a clear bell-tone which rings out unforced.  Although the Wagner Sinfornia Orchestra and Chorus are more emotionally-detached than I prefer, the soloists bring much-needed passion to the performance, but with such a generous selection of numbers included on the single LP, and everything is so professionally and reverently performed that I hope someday this rare Messiah is remastered and put out on CD.

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