HANDEL - Alcina
Alcina was first performed on 16 April 1735 at Covent Garden; the plot has an element of magic which spurred Handel the opportunity to produce one of his richest scores. This 1985 recording is one of the first examples of the beneficial effect of the early-music movement in aiding the re-evaluation – and consequently increased performance and recording – of Handel’s operas. This recording was made after performances in which Richard Hickox conducted the Opera Stage Chorus and the City of London Baroque Sinfonia supporting a superb cast. All the singers had a number of Handelian roles to their credit, not least the much missed American soprano Arleen Augér, who takes the title-role.

0946 3 58681 2 8 (3CDs)
0946 3 58681 5 9 (Digital Download)