The back cover of this release announces that it's the first recording made by the Academy of Ancient Music under their new director, Richard Egarr; and that it's the first in a projected series of Handel recordings. Well, it's a triumph in every way and I look forward to the next release. The playing by the AAM is solid and energetic, but not too energetic as it sometimes could be under Andrew Manze, whose own super-virtuoso flourishes occasionally teeter on the brink of excess. The music is so fresh-sounding that it sometimes seems almost improvised, as indeed some of it is -- Richard Egarr provides his own middle movement, a tasteful interlude for solo organ, for the delightful 6th Concerto.
The sound? Full, rich and dynamic. The lavishly produced package includes interesting liner notes by Richard Egarr. What else can I add?
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