Dunedin Consort - Handel: Samson - Classical CD Choice

Many classical listeners over the age of forty will have become familiar with the signature aria from Handel’s oratorio Samson, Total Eclipse, via stirring (but inauthentic) performances from such singers as Richard Lewis. How things have changed. This new performing edition of one of Handel’s great works features (along with boy troubles) new thinking and approaches by the conductor John Butt, leading to what he considers to be an authentic rendition, honouring the composer’s original intentions – or at least as far as it is possible in the modern age. The performance itself is, needless to say, utterly splendid and makes the best introduction to the piece for modern listeners.