Handel
Sylvie Spycket (harpsichord) (Forgotten Records)
A short-lived harpsichordist heard in a bracingly robust recital [JW]
Neville Marriner (conductor): The Complete Warner Classics Recordings (Warner Classics)
An 80-CD centenary salute to Marriner, with (or without) his ASMF [JW]
Handel: Handel for Trumpet (Linn)
A superbly programmed set of pieces by Handel, reimagined for trumpet and piano [PB]
Handel: Theodora (Alpha Classics)
A splendidly cohesive musically-rewarding example of integrated casting and performance [JW]
Handel & Ferrandini: Choral works (Passacaille)
Convincing performances of two very different masterpieces [JV]
Handel: Messiah (Erato)
Period-instrument Messiah, not to be missed [DF]
Scenes of Horror: Baroque Arias From the Shadows (Perfect Noise)
Thoroughly disappointing – a voice of no great distinction in a gimmicky programme [RMo]
A Choral Christmas (Decca)
Beautiful sounds in big-boned arrangements which are best sample piecemeal rather than all at once [MP]
Handel: Total Eclipse (Somm Recordings)
Some of Handel’s most beautiful arias in instrumental versions, performed with vitality, sensitivity and rhythmical precision [GF]
Popper: Complete Transcriptions for Violoncello and Piano (Paladino Music)
A valuable addition to the Popper discography and a chance to hear a Hubay rarity [RCh]
Corelli: Corellimania (OUR Recordings)
An excellent disc of baroque chamber music, even if in one or two cases the link to the craze for Corelli is a little tenuous [GPu]
Il castrato del granduca – Arias for Gaetano Berenstadt (Glossa)
A highly interesting collection of rare baroque arias [GF]
Julens ljus (The Light of Christmas) (Proprius)
(Déjà Review) I suspect that many listeners will make attractive ‘finds’ among these 24 songs and the execution of them leaves little extra to be desired [GF]
The Coronation of George II (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered [JL]
Wilhelm Backhaus (piano) Complete Acoustic & Selected Electric Recordings (APR)
A wonderful completion of APR’s series exploring Backhaus’ exciting early recording career [RCh]
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Acis)
This well-chosen programme is more interesting and varied than many similar showcase discs [NB]
Handel: Un’alma Innamorata (Pentatone)
An ideal introduction to a delightful corner of a great composer’s output [RWe]
Humour and Classical Music: Silent Monks & The Hallelujah Chorus
by David Barker
Handel: Acis and Galatea (Dorian)
A delightful recording that captures the energy of a live performance [KM]
Handel: Theodora (Opus Arte)
A radical feminist staging for a very well-sung account of Handel’s late masterpiece [RWe]
Handel: Water & Fire (Pentatone)
Handel’s grand outdoor showpieces reduced in scale to intimate chamber works [RMo]
Handel: Tamerlano (Avie)
(Déjà Review) A great work which deserves to be discovered or rediscovered through this fine set [KM]
Handel: Arminio (Erato)
All Handel lovers will want to own this, the first recording of Arminio [KM]
Otto Klemperer (conductor): The Remastered Edition (Warner Classics)
Klemperer consolidated; his full Warner legacy in best-yet transfers [JW]
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