How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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I recently received an email request from a new listener to Classical MPR. The listener wanted a recommendation for the "perfect" Messiah recording. My response was that I have several favorites, that there is no "perfect" Messiah and that my recommendation for a first Messiah purchase would be a newer recording. I recommended a very clean, clear sounding small ensemble CD with the Dunedin Consort and Players. (

). What catches my heart with this recording is that it is a Messiah for a hall like the Fitzgerald Theater, intimate and sweet. Nothing is forced in this performance and the words take center stage. Right after mentioning this on-air I received the following from Bruce in Stillwater:

"Steve - I was just listening to your comments about a listener who asked for your favorite Messiah performers, and while I enjoyed the ones you played for her I would like to share mine with you.  I agree - I hate it when the sopranos sing with a mouth full of mashed potatoes or the bass gets tangled up in his shorts, but years ago I found a recording of the 

 with Kiri Tekanawa, Anne Gjevang, Keith Lewis and Gwynne Howell, conducted by Sir George Solti on the London label - it's the best I've ever heard and I listen to it several times all year long.  It's a winner, as was GF Handel"

Let the discussion begin! What's your favorite Messiah performance?

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

What’s your favorite Messiah performance? Join the discussion.


Too Many Messiahs

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