Beethoven ducked out of trying to compete with Haendl in the oratorio field. Haydn tackled him head on with splendid results. This recording does full justice to the score with excellent soloists and appropriately nimble orchestra and choir. Speeds are laid-back enabling you to savour the detail. I am finding this to repay repeated hearings. The effects are never superficially applied but everything grows out of the music. Recline in your favourite armchair and prepare to be entranced.