Handel
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]
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]
Amate Stelle (Glossa)
Baroque opera enthusiasts should snap up this disc [GF]
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]
