Emma Bell - Handel - The Guardian

A Handel opera was the launching pad for soprano Emma Bell's profession career. In 1998, when she was still a student, Bell took over the title role in Rodelinda for Glyndebourne on tour at a few hours' notice and was such a success she was immediately booked to appear in the main summer festival the following year. This disc, however, isn't quite the glorious celebration of Handel singing one might have expected form Bell's compelling stage appearances. If she's quite wonderful in the slow, reflective music, the more elaborate passages aren't so successful, though the choice of Edinburgh's Usher Hall for the recording is no aid to clarity.