Handel with Gusto
Biberfan | Virginia, USA | 09/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Already having owned a reading of this opus by the English Concert (Pinnock, 1980s), and having previewed Manze's reading with the AAM, this one was more my style.
Antonini and his ensemble have breathed some new style and penache into this collection of string concerti grossi. This is a more severe, more dramatic reading. It's typical IGA, "dynamic" playing, clear contrasts, and a very Italian style. Supposedly Antonini suggests in the liner notes that they after identifying Handel's Italian style in these works, they thought they'd better previous efforts with their own Italian style.
Whatever you call the result, it's easy to listen to, engaging, and fresh all in one."