Handel
London circa 1740 – Handel’s Musicians (Harmonia Mundi)
A compelling and entertaining survey of what was written and performed in London around 1740 [JV]
Handel: Cleofida, Königin von Indien (cpo)
Enriches the Händel discography and provides insight into Telemann’s talents as an arranger [DF]
Handel: Serse (Linn)
Highlights the variety of Handel’s invention and showcases a superb lead singer [RMo]
Handel: L’Allegro, il Penseroso (Harmonia Mundi)
There are at least a good half-dozen earlier recordings, but Christie can firmly stand by their side [GF]
Nina Kotova (cello): Solo Cello (Delos)
Passionate, gutsy cello playing in a beautifully planned programme [DM]
The Crown (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
These performances of Handel’s Anthems are among the best that I have heard [JV]
Handel: Violin Sonatas (Forgotten Records)
Music performed with an intimate and homely charm [SG]
Handel: Semele (Opus Arte)
A modern take on a Handelian opera which for once makes dramatic sense, and is good fun as well [PCG]
Handel: Keyboard Suites (Deutsche Grammophon)
Moves the Korean into the elite group of pianists [DMD]
Handel: Water & Fireworks Music (Archiv Produktion)
(Déjà Review) An example that big can be beautiful too! [GFe]
Handel: Giulio Cesare (Harmonia Mundi)
Probably the best DVD version and one of the best in any format [BW]
Handel: Eternal Heaven (Erato)
Music making of the highest order for anyone with an open mind for whom no borderlines exist [GF]
Handel: Theodora (Erato)
An extrovert reading of Theodora but one short of consolation [JW]
Sir Adrian Boult: The Decca Legacy Vol. 2 (Eloquence)
Boult’s Deccas handsomely boxed; two Messiahs, Acis and miscellaneous recitals [JW]
Handel: Acis and Galatea (Decca)
A thoroughly welcome reissue that enshrines many of the virtues Handelian performance in the ‘pre-authentic’ era [PCG]
Handel: Messiah (Eboracum)
Overall, an accomplished and enjoyable performance of Messiah [JQ]
Handel: Ballo per Orchestra (Tudor)
Instrumental ‘highlights’ culled from Handel’s oratorios and operas [JW]