The English Concert

This new Handel collection features two great Handelian singers, Sarah Connolly and Rosemary Joshua, accompanied by the English Concert conducted by Harry Bicket. The programme offers a carefully chosen selection from Handel Operas ‘Guilio Cesare', ‘Belshazzar', ‘Theodora', ‘Ottone', ‘Sosarme', ‘Radamisto', ‘Rodelinda', ‘Agrippina' and ‘Tamerlano'. Duets play a key role in Handel's stage works; he understood the dramatic effectiveness of blending two voices together - generally those of a soprano heroine and castrato hero. Sarah Connolly is a highly sought after Artist who has performed a number of Handel roles on stage including Giulio Cesare for the Glyndebourne Festival. Rosemary Joshua has developed quite a reputation for her Handel roles, which include the title role in Semele on stage for which she was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award and on disc for Chandos. This album launches with a Wigmore Hall concert on April 1st. Also check out the saucy artwork on this disc.

'The playing is crisp and the singing polished and stylish, with Joshua, in particular, conveying infectious delight in this sophisticated music.' BBC Music

'Connolly and Joshua are as outstanding a pair of Handel singers as one is likely to hear...The English Concert and Harry Bicket provide understated and efficient accompaniment...fans of both composer and these two singers will be enchanted by the highly accomplished music-making.' Gramophone