"Sinfonia" from Handel's "Messiah" (London Philharmonic-Karl Richter conducting)

This should really be 1st on the playlist, but I feel that the "Hallelujah" chorus is the most identifiable & loved number in the whole work.
This is from a Deutshce Grammophon album I bought a long time ago & I highly recommend everyone purchase it. Karl Richter conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra with the John Alldis choir. The opening French overture is grave & homophonic (this rendition may be a bit too fast for some), while the polyphonic Fugue is glorious & jubilant. This encapsulates the Gospel story of human tragedy which necessitates Divine tragedy, & ultimately Divine victory resulting in human redemption.
Handel is often overshadowed by his contemporary J.S. Bach, but Beethoven esteemed Handel above all composers saying: "To him (Handel) I bend the knee, for Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived. I can still learn from him."
I hope you will be edified by this performance as much as I am.
God bless you!
Paul