I can only afford one copy right now. However, starting a collection of various recordings sounds like a really good idea. Maybe, at some point, I should get an iPod nano and devote it entirely to various recordings of Handel's Messiah.
I'm so not joking
Nienna - I looooooooooooooooove that recording to the point where I may have been known to put it on repeat every single day for over a week on multiple occasions
...even singing along when no one was around
My Christmas music at the moment consists of:
Angelic Christmas Carols - Choir of Norwich & Choir of Wells
A Baroque Christmas - Carolyn Sinclair, Michael Jarvis & The Baroque Players of Hamilton
One song from Catholic Christmas Classics - "Fum, Fum, Fum" - Richard Proulx & The Cathedral Singers
Christmas with the Tallis Scholars - Peter Phillips & The Tallis Scholars
Classic FM's "Classic Christmas" - Various Artists
Classic FM's "A Classical Christmas" - Various Artists
Ding Dong Merrily on High & 13 more favorite Christmas Classics - Various Artists
Once in Royal David's City & 12 other Favorite Carols - Various Artists
Handel's Messiah - The recording mentioned above with the Academy of Ancient Music
A Renaissance Christmas - Boston Camerata & Joel Cohen
The Spirit of Christmas - Various Artists
197 songs in total, and it's not nearly enough
Obviously, my preference for classical/baroque/renaissance music is rather obvious. The albums with various artists..... I, er, deleted the songs that weren't classical
Still looking for a great recording of "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel" as it's my absolute favorite Christmas Carol. I've listened to about 40 samples of various artists doing it today, and was only somewhat happy with one of them. I think I'm more picky because I love the song so much. There was just nothing haunting enough.
Anyone have recommendations for albums of Christmas music? The absolute best thing about Christmas, IMO, is the music. Heck, I'll go to church at Christmas time if they've got a good choir.