GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759): Esther, HWV 50a (First reconstructable version [Cannons], 1720).

Description: Since we seem to be having a mini-Handel orgy this month, those of you keeping up to date with developments will be interested in this reconstruction of the version of this oratorio as it would have been performed in 1720 probably at the house of the Duke of Chandos. In the order of its three acts, the work moves from the pastoral charm of its contemporary, Acis & Galatea, to the solemnity of the German Passion tradition (Handel reworked material from his Brockes Passion for most of the second act), to the large-scale "choral oratorio" aspect of the third act. 2 CDs. Libretto included. Susan Hamilton (soprano), Robin Blaze (countertenor), James Gilchrist (tenor), Matthew Brook (bass-baritone), Dunedin Consort; John Butt. SACD hybrid