Dunedin Consort - Handel: Ode for St Cecilia's Day - Choir & Organ

Fabulously expressive word-painting from stellar soloists, including some very Italian English from Ian Bostridge, meets playing of the most vivacious sprightliness, richly-toned, high-octane singing from combined UK and Polish forces, and great clarity, immediacy and warmth of recorded sound in this outstanding release. Performed as Handel might have done with a concerto grosso (op.6, no.4 in A minor), it encapsulates perfectly the questing intellect of the Age of Enlightenment, exploring the delicious, wondrous miracle of music - a lovelier, more joyful performance seems unimaginable.