HALL CHORALE

The William Hall Chorale, augmented by a spiffy little orchestra, managed to meld Baroque sensibilities and the sheer volume of today’s sonic allure in an exciting performance on Friday night of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Performing in Pasadena Presbyterian Church, Hall had his 100-voice chorale scale down its massive output to manageable dynamic size, and the conductor’s introduction of all manner of ornamentation was well executed by these forces. The stylish employment of terraced dynamics--solo voices leading to chamber choir leading to full choir--marked the difference between just another modern “Messiah” and this informed and intelligent one.

The solo quartet had its successes, too. Mezzo-soprano Janet Smith substituted at the last moment for an indisposed Suzanna Guzman, and she impressed with her crisp enunciation, dark yet malleable voice and alert phrasing.

In soprano Ruth Golden’s hands, “I know my redeemer liveth” in Part Three was moving and informed by controlled, intelligent singing. Tenor Jonathan Mack’s contributions were unfailingly well-sung, and baritone Rodney Gilfry--the proud possessor of a deep, volcanic voice--made “The trumpet shall sound” a real pleasure.