Despite issues, a must have for Handel fans
Miz Ellen | Bovine Universe | 09/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of GF Handel will want this fine recording of his early works composed in his Italian period. Handel eventually went on to become the premier dramatic composer of his day in London, but Italy was where young composers went to learn their craft and these mannered compositions show why the young Saxon took the Italian music scene by storm. As always with Handel, one catches snatches of melody that he reworked and used elsewhere.
As always, Scholl's voice sounds great. He gives us a more cerebral execution which is suitable for this music -- it is chamber music, not opera -- and although Scholl's voice is as perfect for the music as is possible in the modern era, this music is not the best vehicle for Scholl's expressive voice.
Nor is the soprano Helene Guimette the best partner for Andreas Scholl. Her voice, while fine, is overshadowed. She is a good ensemble quality soprano. She's okay singing by herself, but the duets with Scholl make me wince."