I will be the first one to admit that I've always found George Frideric Handel (1685-1769) to be a bit stodgy and pedantic when compared to say J.S. Bach for example. Better suited for oratorios and liturgical settings in general, and much less airy and contrapuntal then Bach, or even capable of virtuosity like Vivaldi. But upon audition of this new recording featuring Maurice Steger and the La Cetra ensemble, it's obvious that Handel was just as able to let his hair (or maybe I should say powdered wig) down as anyone else. These concertos, sonatas and chaconnes written for various instruments and other occasions, (I'm sure you will recognize some of them) were sometimes recycled and integrated within his operas as "ballet" music or interludes. And if they were meant to distract the audience from the otherwise serious and dramatic content of the opera, then they must have been successful at achieving just that. Buoyantly rhythmic and melodically inventive, with expressive swings from tragedy to comedy, they must have enthralled the audience of the day.

Maurice Steger once again, like in this recording of Flute Concertos by Vivaldi, brings dexterity and brilliance into play and makes the music sparkle with exuberance at one moment, and express deep sorrow at the next. And the Ensemble La Cetra not only offer full support but also enhance the experience with dramatic and commited playing throughout. Interspersed between the various Handel pieces are also similar pieces by Francesco Geminiani, Gottfried Finger and William Babell which I'm sure will inveigle you to further research their music. Harmonia mundi have once again produced a recording that has made me listen with a new set of ears. Refresh you listening experience.