Some pieces, no matter how familiar, never fail to excite. Handel’s Messiah falls into that category; more than 260 years after its first performance, its description by a contemporary critic as a work of “exquisite delight” still holds true – particularly when performed with the passion, sensitivity and technical excellence of the Burford Singers. Last Sunday, under Brian Kay’s usual authoritative guidance, this exemplary choir delivered an eloquent and polished performance, notable for its clear, perfectly rounded entries, precise diction and carefully observed dynamics.

The sopranos produced a lovely light touch in numbers such as And he shall purify and His yoke is easy, underpinned by solid and reliable contributions from the lower voices. Particularly impressive from the whole choir was the build-up from the restrained opening of For unto us a child is born to the sudden explosion of sound for “Wonderful! Counsellor!” The magnificent Hallelulah chorus was the spine-tingling moment it deserved to be, while the closing Amen brought the piece to a rousing yet contemplative finish.

There was also good work from a young line-up of soloists. Tenor Ben Johnson set the standard with his opening recitative and solo, Comfort ye/Every valley, both delivered with passion and conviction, and sung in gloriously warm, honeyed tones. Bass Derek Welton – a recent winner of the Handel Singing Prize – was equally impressive, his voice effortlessly powerful, with his final solo, the wonderful The trumpet shall sound, a real tour de force. Full marks, too, to the trumpet soloist here – sadly not identified in the programme.

Not quite so powerful, but pleasing nonetheless, were mezzo Diane Moore and soprano Martene Grimson, a late replacement for an indisposed Lucy Crowe. Both sang expressively and movingly; Moore, in particular, really made us care in He was despised. As always, the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra provided expert accompaniment throughout, doing full justice both to the singers and to Handel’s ravishing score. “Exquisite delight” indeed.