Handel In Italy: Cantatas, Arias, Serenata
This set presents an extensive collection of works which George Frideric Handel wrote during his short but astoundingly fruitful stay in Italy. Here he met the great composers of the day, imbuing the rich Italian style, full of drama, cantabile and instrumental brilliance.The set's focus is on the secular Cantatas, all of them mini-operas in scale and substance,dealing with human emotions of love, jealousy, hope and despair.The influence of Handel's stay in Italy can be found in many of his great operas and oratorios he later wrote in London.Apart from the Cantatas the set includes a selection of Italian Duets, and the Serenata Aci, Galatea & Polifemo.Excellent performances in Historically Informed Performance Practice, by Contrasto Armonico, Musica Perduta and specialist vocal soloists.