A neglected vista BASIL RAMSEY views Handel afresh SOMM    SOMMCD 226

It is surprising to discover a sizeable cache of Handel songs unconnected to larger works and ready to be grouped for a recording. Soprano Emma Kirkby and tenor Charles Daniels [listen -- track 19, 3:34-4:19] have shared thirty or so with a small instrumental ensemble directed by Paul Nicholson.

The Kirkby sound is well-known and utterly delicious in this repertory, not that Handel (or any other) was lucky enough to produce an unbroken sequence of 'hits'. The compensatory factor comes in the delights that each hold in some way to charm the ear [listen -- track 10, 0:45-1:38].

Thanks are due to this small English label for undertaking such a project, thereby providing unknown Handel with such experienced performers.

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