In The Studio: The English Concert

Rodelinda was written for the greatest voices of its day and is performed here by some of today’s finest, as Harry Bicket and The English Concert’s acclaimed cycle of Handel operas appears for the first time on Linn Records.

Lucy Crowe and Iestyn Davies are the devoted partners Rodelinda and Bertarido, heading a cast packed with exactly the sort of vocal star-power Handel would have expected. Both Davies and Crowe have won acclaim for their performances in these roles: BBC Music Magazine wrote, “Iestyn Davies stole the show with aria after aria of heavenly purity and ardour”, whilst BachTrack commented, “Lucy Crowe gave a brilliant performance … Her singing, firmly centred, agile and sparking with temperament, was a triumph.”

The English Concert’s reputation for combining urgency, passion and fire with precision, delicacy and beauty will ensure their forthcoming series of Handel operas will become an essential part of Linn’s catalogue when it is released in Spring 2021.