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"If one is to believe the historians of the seventeenth century, stage directors did not yet exist. What a fortunate age! One could attend an opera without having to close one's eyes. One could take delight in it, listen to it and watch it at the same time, without feeling welling up within oneself, scene by scene, crescendo, rinforzando, that dull anger which is very bad for one's peace of mind." Philippe Beaussant (La Monde de la Musique, April 2005), English translation in "Vivaldi in Scena: Thoughts on the Revival of Vivaldi's Operas" by Frédéric Delaméa in Vivaldi, Motezuma and the Opera Seria, Michael Talbot (ed.) at 171-2 (Brepols 2008).

New Releases

Froberger Edition vol. 6: Ricercar - Complete Ricercari / Chigi Toccatas. Aeolus. Bob van Asperen, organ.Froberger. Froberger Edition vol. 6 (of 8): Ricercar - Complete Ricercari / Chigi Toccatas. Aeolus (1 CD, August 2009). Bob van Asperen, Hermans organ, Spirito Santo, Pistola (1664). DE
Handel. 9 German Arias. dhm (1 CD, August 2009). Núria Rial, soprano. Michael Oman, Austrian Baroque Company. US | DE
Jean-Baptiste Lully. Atys. Accord (3 CDs, August 2009). Hugo Reyne, La Simphonie du Marais. Lully ou le Musicien du Soleil, Volume XI. Atys: Romain Champion, haute-contre; Sangaride: Céline Scheen, soprano; Cybèle: Amaya Domínguez, mezzo-soprano; Célénus: Aimery Lefévre, baritone; Idas: Matthieu Heim, bass; Doris: Maud Ryaux, soprano; Mélisse: Maïlys de Villoutreys, soprano; Le Sommeil: Vincent Liévre-Picard, haute-contre. FR
Domènec Terradellas (1713-1751). Artaserse (S. Giovanni Grisostomo, Venice 1744). RCOC 0800/3 (3 CDs, April 2009). Details. Juan Bautista Otero, Real Compañía Ópera de Cámara (RCOC). Artaserse: Anna Maria Panzarella, soprano; Arbace: Céline Ricci, soprano; Mandane: Marina Comparato, mezzo-soprano; Semira: Sunhae Im, soprano; Artabano: Augustin Prunell-Friend, tenor; Megabise: Mariví Blasco, soprano. Italian/Spanish/French libretto included. A poorly OCRed old English translation (1800) is online (scroll down). Burney: "Terradellas seems to have written all his songs for performers of abilities; for his airs are never made easy and trivial in order to spare the singer." A fine opera and performance -- highly recommended. History of Artaserse -- this was the 24th setting, more or less. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Agostino Steffani (1654-1728). Orlando Generoso (Hanover 1691). MDG 309 1566-2 (3 CDs, June 2009). Bernward Lohr, Musica Alta Ripa. Orlando: Kai Wessel, countertenor; Angelica: Roberta Invernizzi, soprano; Bradamante: Susanne Rydén, soprano; Medoro: Jörg Waschinski, sopranist; Ruggerio: Franz Vitzthum, countertenor; Galafro: Daniel Lager, countertenor; Atlante: Wolf Matthias Friedrich, baritone. A low threshold to becoming the finest Steffani opera recording to date. US | FR | DE | JP
Vivaldi. Glorias RV 588 & RV 589. Naïve (1 CD, August 2009). Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano. FR
André Campra (1660-1744). Motets pour Notre-Dame de Paris. K617 (1 CD, September 2009). Details. Ensemble Aquilon. Marcio Soares Holanda & Thibault Lenaerts, hautes-contre; Matthieu Cabanes & Amine Hadef, tenors; Geoffroy Buffière & Christophe Gautier, baritones. FR
Telemann. Der aus der Löwengrube erettete Daniel (Hamburg 1731). cpo (1 CD, July 2009). Michael Schneider, La Stagione Frankfurt. Annemei Blessing Leyhausen, soprano; Annegret Kleindopf, soprano; Laurie Reviol, soprano; Kai Wessel, countertenor; Julian Prégardien, tenor; Jörn Lindemann, tenor; Ekkehard Abele, bass; Stephan Schreckenberger, bass. DE | CA
Zelenka. I Penitenti al Sepolchro del Redentore (ZWV 63, 1736). Zig-Zag Territoires (1 CD, August 2009). Václav Luks, Collegium 1704. FR
Francesco Mancini (1672-1737). Missa septimus (Italian Music in the Low Countries). Etcetera KTC 4031 (1 CD, June 2009). Erik Van Nevel, Currende. Claire Lefilliâtre, soprano; Marnix De Cat, countertenor. FR | DE
Giovanni Maria Bononcini (1642-1678). Cantate e Sonate da Camera. Tactus TC.640202 (1 CD, August 2009). Details. Fabio Bonvicini, La Scatola dai Suoni. Alida Oliva, soprano. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Stabat Mater, Sonata al Santo Sepolcro RV130; Pergolesi, Salve Regina; Pergolesi (arrangement by J.S. Bach), Stabat Mater - Tilge Höchster meine Sünden BWV 1083. BIS SACD 1546 (1 CD, July 2009). Emma Kirkby, soprano; David Taylor, countertenor. Theatre of Early Music. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Philemon & Baucis / Jupiters Reise auf die Erde. Hanssler Profil PH 09038 (1 CD, April 2009). Wolfgang Brunner, Salzburger Hofmusik. UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) & Samuel Scheidt (1587-1654). Der Wächter auf der Zinne (The Guard on the Battlement). Coviello COV 20907 (1 CD, July 2009). Details. Dominique Visse, countertenor; Katharina Bäuml, Capella de la Torre. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst (1726). Complete recording of all 72 cantatas by Bergen Barokk in progress:

Volume 2: The cantatas for middle voice, violine and basso continuo 1. Toccata Classics TOCC 0057 (1 CD, July 2009). Details.  Franz, Vitzthum, countertenor; Bjarte Eike, violin; Hans Knut Svenn, harpsichord & organ; Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, cello. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Volume 1: The cantatas for high voice, recorder & basso continuo 1. Toccata Classics TOCC 0037 (1 CD, August 2006). Details. Mona Julsrud, soprano; Frode Thorsen recorder; Hans Knut Sveen, harpsichord; Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, cello. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Die Feuersbrunst (or Das abgebrannte Haus). (Marionetten-Singspiel H29b: A). cpo 777 213-2 (2 CDs, June 2009). Details. Andreas Spering, Capella Augustina. Otto Katzameier, baritone; Andreas Karasiak, tenor; Isa Katharina Gericke, soprano; Ferdinand von Bothmer, tenor. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Jean-Philippe Rameau. Concerts mis en simphonie - version orchestrée des pièces de clavecin (1741). Musiques à la Chabotterie (1 CD, April 2009). Hugo Reyne, La Simphonie du Marais. Collection Rameau Vol. 2. FR | DE
Domènec Terradellas (1713-1751). Arias and overtures from Artaserse, Merope & Sesostri. Fuga Libera (1 CD, April 2009). Details. Stefano Demicheli, Dolce & Tempesta. Maria Grazia Schiavo, soprano. "[Terradellas'] death in Rome in 1751 has remained a mystery to the present day. One version has it that he was murdered on the orders of his arch-rival Niccolò Jommelli." US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Agostino Steffani (1654-1728). Alarico il Baltha, cioè l'Audace, Rè de Gothi (Munich 1687). Concerto 2039 (3 CDs, April 2009, originally released by Centaurus Music (2006)). Details. Dieci Sara, Scarlatti Camera Ensemble. Alarico: Stefania Maiardi, mezzo-soprano; Sabina: Maria Carla Curia, soprano; Honorio: Lee Ji-Young, mezzo-soprano; Pisone: Luca Casagrande, baritone; Semiamira: Loretta Liberato, contralto; Placidia: Won Mi-Jung Capilupi, soprano; Stilicone: Guerino Pelaccia, tenor; Lidoro: Marco Democratico, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
La Voce di Orfeo: Gli Amori di Francesco Rasi 1574-1621. Naïve (1 CD, June 2009). Furio Zanasi, baritone; Guilio Casati, narrator. Eduardo Egüez, La Chimera. Includes works by Monteverdi, Ferrari, Rasi, d'India, Caccini, Desprez & Brunelli. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Bonporti, Mannelli. Roma - cello concertos & trio sonatas. Myrios 002 (1 CD, June 2009). Alte Musik Köln (formerly member of Musica Antiqua Köln). FR | DE
Bonporti, Mannelli. Pirates of the Baroque: Stolen masterworks & forgotten musical jewels. Red Priest Records (1 CD, June 2009). Piers Adams, Red Priest. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Handel with Care - Opera and Oratorio Arias. dhm 88697526952 (1 CD, June 2009). Wolfgang Katschner, Lautten Compagney. US | DE
Handel. Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (HWV 74, London 1713) / Dixit Dominus (HWV 232, Rome 1707). (1 CD, September 2009). Marcus Creed, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Vocalconsort Berlin. Hélène Guilmette, soprano; Andreas Scholl, countertenor; Malcolm Bennett, tenor; Andreas Wolf, bass. FR
Hotteterre, Chedeville, Philidor. Le Berger Poète. Alpha (1 CD, June 2009). Details. François Lazarevitch, Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien. Suites and sonatas for flute and musette. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Giulio Cesare in Egitto. (HWV 17, London 1724). Pro Musica Camerata PCM 062/064 (3 CDs, January 2009). Details. Władysław Kłosiewicz, Musicae Antiquae Collegium Varsoviense, Choir of the Warsaw Chamber Opera. Giulio Cesare: Anna Radziejewska, mezzo-soprano; Cornelia: Dorota Lachowicz, contralto; Sesto: Jacek Laszczkowski, sopranist; Cleopatra: Olga Pasiecznik, soprano; Tolomeo: Jan Monowid, countertenor; Achilla: Jarosław Bręk, bass; Nireno: Karol Bartosinski, countertenor; Curio: Sławomir Jurczak, bass.
Johann Hugo von Wilderer (1670-1724) & Carlo Pietgro Grua d.Ä. (1665-1726). Jan Willem: Sacred Music from the era of Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz-Neuburg (1658-1716). Coviello 20903 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Jörg Straube, Neue Düsseldorfer Hofmusik, Norddeutscher Figuralchor. Wilderer: Mass in g minor for four voices, strings and b.c.; "Quando Jesus adest" from „Modulationi sacrae" Op. I, 1-10 solo motet for two to four voices, strings and b.c.; "Custodi me"; "Te Deum" for four voices, four trumpets, timpani, bassoon, strings and b.c. Grua: - "Alleluja fideles plaudite" for five voices, two trumpes, strings and b.c.; "Laetatus sum"; "Beatus vir" (Psalm 111) - Motet for Choir for fore voices, strings and b.c. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Harpsichord Suites (1720). Delos DE 3394 (2 CDs, March 2009). Jory Vinikour, harpsichord by John Phillips after the Gräbner 1739 (extended bass to DD!) tuned to Bradley Lehman's Bach tuning. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Al Piacere del Signore - transcriptions for 2 harpsichords. ORF 3056 (1 CD, April 2009). Le Petit Concert Baroque. Chani Lesaulnier & Nadja Lesaulnier, harpsichords. Movements from the Water Music, Fireworks Music, Rinaldo, Ariodante, Teseo & Alexander's Feast transcribed by the performers. FR
Handel. Alexander's Feast HWV 75 & Ode for St. Cecilia's Day HWV 76. Carus 83.424 (1 CD, April 2009). Peter Neumann, Collegium Cartusianum, Kölner Kammerchor. Simone Kermes, soprano; Virgil Hartinger, tenor; Konstantin Wolff, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Kapitänsmusik 1744 TVWV 15:15. cpo 777 390-2 (2 CDs, May 2009). CD 1: Oratorio "Vereint euch, ihr Brüder" (71'20); CD 2: Serenata "Freyheit!" (75'19). Manfred Cordes, Weiser-Renaissance. Dorothee Mields, soprano; Monika Mauch, soprano; Ulrike Hofbauer, soprano; Immo Schröder, tenor; Dominik Wörner, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Mattheson. Der liebreiche und geduldige David (Hamburg 1723). cpo 777 360-2 (1 CD, May 2009). Michael Alexander Willens, Die Kölner Akademie, Chor der Kölner Akademie. Nicki Kennedy, soprano; Ursula Ettinger, contralto; Max Ciolek, tenor; Christian Hilz, bass; Raimonds Spogis, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Krieger (1651-1735). Ich habe mein Liebgen im Garten gesehen: Love Songs & Arias / Philipp Friedrich Buchner (1614-1669). Sonaten aus "Plectrum Musicum". cpo 777 433-2 (1 CD, May 2009). Jan Kobow, tenor. United Continuo Ensemble. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach Orchestral Suites for a Young Prince (Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen). Avie AV 2171 (1 CD, May 2009). Review by Johann van Veen. Original versions without trumpets, drums or transverse flute. Monica Huggett, Ensemble Sonnerie. Gonzalo X. Ruiz, oboe and reconstruction of the original version of suite no. 2. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.C. Bach, J.C.F. Bach, W.F. Bach. Sonatas for Flute by the Bach Sons. Accent ACC 24216 (1 CD, March 2009). Barthold Kuijken, traverso; Ewald Demeyere, harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Charles Levens (1689-1764). Te Deum (1722) & Deus Noster Refugium. Hortus 060 (1 CD, April 2008). Michel Laplénie, Ensemble Sagittarius, Orchestre Baroque Les Passions, Ensemble Baroque Orfeo et Groupe Vocal Arpège. Sophie Landy, soprano; Sophie Pattey, soprano; Vincent Lièvre-Picard, haute-contre; Sébastien Obrecht, tenor; Marcos Loureiro de Sá, bass; Sébastien Brohier, baritone; Marduk Serrano, baritone. This may be the finest recording to date of grands motets, and the music is of the same high quality as the performance and recording. The Levens Te Deum deserves to be recognized as one of the standard works of early 18th Century France. It continued to be performed as late as August 1789, but before recent revivals, this composer from Marseilles who worked in Vannes, Toulouse & Bordeaux had been almost totally forgotten. A recording by the same performers of Levens's Messes des Morts was released on Lira d'Arco in 2003 and reissued on Etcetera. FR | DE
Psalterion & Fortepiano - From C.P.E. Bach to Mozart. Ambronay AMY 012 (1 CD, June 2008). Margit Übellacker, psalterion (dulcimer); Aline Zylberajch, fortepiano by Monika May after the earliest Stein. CPE Bach, Sonata Wq 87; Mozart, Adagio K.266 & Sonata K.305, plus sonatas by Schobert, Melchior Chiesa, & Eberlin. This superb recording celebrates the pantalon, an undamped keyboard instrument invented and popularized by Pantalon Hebenstreit during the 18th Century. Ms. Übellacker's skill with the hammers comes remarkably close to what would be possible with a keyboard. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Handel. La Resurrezione. (HWV 47, Rome 1708). Brilliant Classics 93805 (2 CDs, April 2009). Details. Marco Vitale, Contrasto Armonico. Angelo: Klaartje van Veldhoven, soprano; Maddalena: Stefanie True, soprano; Cleofe: Kristine Gether, contralto; San Giovanni: Marcel Beekman, tenor; Lucifero: Mitchell Sandler, bass. Performed at Roman pitch a=392 with oboes at 440. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Joshua. (HWV 64, London 1748). SOMM 240-2 (2 CDs, March 2009). Details. Lawrence Cummings, London Handel Orchestra & Singers. Achsah: Catherine Manley, soprano; Othniel: Alexandra Gibson, mezzo-soprano; Joshua: Allan Clayton, tenor; Caleb: George Humphreys, bass; Angel: Richard Rowntree, tenor. Original version of "Hark! 'tis the linnet and the thrush" (not in the HG edition). UK | FR | JP
Handel. Samson. (HWV 57, London 1743). Carus 83.425 (3 CDs, March 2009). Details. Nicholas McGegan, FestspielOrchester Göttingen, NDR Chor. Sophie Daneman, soprano; Franziska Gottwald, contralto; Samson: Thomas Cooley, tenor; Michael Slattery, tenor; William Berger, bass; Wolf Matthias Friedrich, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Ezio. (HWV 29, London 1732). DG Archiv 477 807-3 (3 CDs, March 2009). Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco. Ezio: Ann Hallenberg, mezzo-soprano; Fulvia: Karina Gauvin, soprano; Valentiniano: Sonia Prina, contralto; Massimo: Anicio Zorzi Giustiniani, tenor; Varo: Vito Priante, bass; Onoria: Marianne Andersen, mezzo-soprano. Libretto by Metastasio. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Alcina. (HWV 34, London 1735). DG-Archiv 477 737-4 (3 CDs, March 2009). (Joyce DiDonato's blog about recording Alcina). Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco. Alcina: Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano; Ruggiero: Maite Beaumont, mezzo-soprano; Morgana: Karina Gauvin, soprano; Bradamante: Sonia Prina, contralto; Oronte: Kobie van Rensburg, tenor; Oberto: Laura Cherici, soprano; Melisso: Vito Priante, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Faramondo. (HWV 39, London 1738). Virgin Classics 2166112 (3 CDs, February 2009). Diego Fasolis, I Barocchisti. Clotilde: Sophie Karthäuser, soprano; Adolfo: Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor; Faramondo: Max Emmanuel Cencic, countertenor; Rosimonda: Marina de Liso, mezzo-soprano; Gerando: Xavier Sabata, countertenor; Childerico: Terry Wey, countertenor; Tebaldo: Fulvio Bettini, baritone; Gustavo: In-Sung Sim, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Rodrigo (Vincer se stesso è la maggior vittoria). (HWV 5, Florence 1707). Naïve Ambroisie AM132 (3 CDs, February 2009). Eduardo López Banzo, Al Ayre Español. Rodrigo: Maria Riccarda Wesseling, mezzo-soprano; Esilena: Maria Bayo, soprano; Florinda: Sharon Rostorf-Zamir, soprano; Evanco: Anne-Catherine Gillet, soprano; Fernando: Max Emmanuel Cencic, countertenor; Giuliano: Kobie Van Rensburg, tenor. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Brockes Passion (1719). Harmonia Mundi HMC 902013/14 (2 CDs, March 2009). Details. René Jacobs, AKAMUS, RIAS-Kammerchor. Brigitte Christensen, soprano; Lydia Teuscher, soprano; Marie-Claude Chappuis, mezzo-soprano; Donát Havár, tenor; Daniel Behle, tenor; Johannes Weisser, baritone. Scathing review by Brian Clark in EMR 130: 39 (May 2009): "Subjugated to the cult of the conductor"; arias cut from the climax of the work; "solo voices too big for my taste"; etc. Fortunately, the complete recording of this, the greatest of the Brockes Passions, by McGegan on Hungaroton is excellent. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Mozart. Idomeneo, rè di Creta (KV 366). Harmonia Mundi HMC 902036/38 (3 CDs, May 2009). Details. René Jacobs, Freiburger Barockorchester, RIAS-Kammerchor. Idamante: Bernarda Fink, contralto; Ilia: Sunhae Im, soprano; Elettra: Alexandrina Pendatchanska, soprano; Idomeneo: Richard Croft, tenor; Arbace: Kenneth Tarver, tenor; Gran Sacerdote: Nicolas Rivenq, tenor; La voce: Luca Tittoto, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Alessandro Scarlatti. Giuditta (second setting, 1697, the "Cambridge Giuditta"). Dynamic CDS 596 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Gilbert Bezzina, Ensemble Baroque de Nice. Giuditta: Sophie Landy, soprano; Oloferne: Carl Ghazarossian, bass; Nurse: Raphaël Pichon, countertenor. I only know of one previous recording, by Velardi on Bongiovanni. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Reinhard Keiser. Fredegunda (Hamburg 1715). Naxos 8.660231/32 (2 CDs, January 2009). Review of the February 2007 performance. Christoph Hammer, Neue Hofkapelle München. Fredegunda: Dora Pavliková, soprano; Galsuinde: Bianca Koch, soprano; Bazina: Katja Stuber, soprano; Chilperich: Tomi Wendt, baritone; Sigibert: Michael Kranebitter, baritone; Hermenegild: Tomo Matsubara, tenor; Landerich: Tobias Haaks, tenor. A fine opera marred by heavy vibrato in some of the best arias, suppression of the harpsichord in numerous arias, and a live recording of an idiotic modern staging that had the singers running around and performing stunts while trying to sing. No printed libretto is included, and the online libretto (pdf) is in German only. It's unfortunate that the money wasted on glossy color photos of the ridiculous modern staging could not have been spent on libretto translations. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Messiah. (HWV 56, version unknown). EMI  5099926815626 (2 CDs, April 2009). Details. Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College Cambridge. Ailish Tynan, soprano; Alice Coote, mezzo-soprano; Allan Clayton, tenor; Matthew Rose, bass. Yet another Messiah with yet another gimmick: this will be a recording of a worldwide live broadcast on 5 April 2009. If you don't have the superb recording by John Butt on Linn Records, get it before considering any other recordings. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Messiah. (HWV 56, version unknown). Carus 83.219 (2 CDs, April 2009). Frieder Bernius, Barockorchester Stuttgart. Carolyn Sampson, soprano; Daniel Taylor, countertenor; Benjamin Hulett, tenor; Peter Harvey, bass. And another new Messiah. UK | DE
Handel. Mottetti & Sonate da chiesa. Musicaficta (1 CD, March 2009). Magali Léger, soprano. RosaSolis. Contents: Gloria, Salve Regina, Coelestis dum spirat aura, Sonata op. 2 no.5. FR | DE
Rameau. Que les mortels servent de modèle aux dieux... - Arias from Zaïs & Zoroastre. Alpha 142 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Frédérick Haas, Ausonia. Eugénie Warnier, soprano; Arnaud Richard, baritone. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Carl Heinrich Graun (1704-1759). Grosse Passion - Kommt her und schaut (1730). cpo (2 CDs, April 2009). Details. Hermann Max, Das Kleine Konzert, Rheinische Kantorei. Veronika Winter, soprano; Hilke Andersen, mezzo-soprano; Markus Schäfer, tenor; Ekkehard Abele, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Tragédiennes 2: From Gluck to Berlioz. Virgin Classics 2165742 (1 CD, May 2009). Véronique Gens, soprano. Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784). Fantaisies, Sonates, Fugues, Polonaises. Mirare MIR-088 (1 CD, May 2009). Maude Gratton, harpsichord & clavichord. FR | DE | CA
Jean-Henry D'Anglebert. Suites de Clavecin. Zig Zag Territoires (1 CD, May 2009). Laurent Stewart, harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Opera & Oratorio Arias. DG-Archiv 477 8096 (1 CD, June 2009). Details. Magdalena Kožená, mezzo-soprano. Andrea Marcon, Venice Baroque Orchestra. US | UK | DE | CA | JP
CPE Bach. Flute Concertos vol. 2. Alpha (1 CD, May 2009). Alexis Kossenko, traverso. Arte dei Suonatori. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Arie per basso. Naïve / Opus 111 (1 CD, May 2009). Lorenzo Regazzo, bass. Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Domestic Opera. Early-music.com (1 CD, April 2009). Keyboard transcriptions by Handel and William Babell. Hank Knox, harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Chandos Anthems. (HWV 246-256, London 1717-1718). Anthems 7, 9 & 11. Hyperion (1 CD, May 2009). Stephen Layton, The Academy of Ancient Music. Emma Kirkby, soprano; Iestyn Davies, countertenor; James Gilchrist, tenor; Neal Davies, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Juditha Triumphans RV644 (1716). ABC Classics 476 6957 (2 CDs, January 2008). Attilio Cremonesi, Orchestra of the Antipodes. Juditha: Sally-Anne Russell, mezzo-soprano; Holofernes: David Walker, countertenor; Abra: Sara Macliver, soprano; Vagaus: Fiona Campbell, mezzo-soprano; Ozias: Renée Martin, mezzo-soprano. US | UK | FR | JP
Albinoni. Sinfonie a Cinque op. 2. Zig-Zag Territoires ZZT 090202 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Chiara Banchini, Ensemble 415. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. Cantatas for the complete liturgical year, volume VIII: "Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen". Accent  25308 (1 CD, April 2009). Sigiswald Kuijken, La Petite Bande. Siri Thornhill, soprano; Petra Noskaiová, contralto; Marcus Ullmann, tenor; Jan van der Crabben, bass. BWV 13, 73, 144, 81. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Pachelbel. Il Pianto di Maria - The Virgin's Lament. L'Oiseau-Lyre 478146-6 (1 CD, April 2009). Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano. Giovanni Antonini, Il Giardino Armonico. Program at the 2008 Klara Festival: A. Caldara, Sinfonia (La Passione di Gesù Christo); B. Marini, Passacaglia in sol; C. Monteverdi, Pianto della Madonna sopra il Lamento d’Arianna; A. Vivaldi, Concerto madrigalesco, RV 129, Sonata, RV 130, “Al Santo Sepolcro”, Sinfonia per archi, RV 169, “Al Santo Sepolcro”; F. Conti, Aria “Sento già mancar la vita” (Il Martirio di S. Lorenzo); J. G. Pisendel, Sonata in do minore; S. L. Weiss, Prelude in E flat major, for lute; Ferrandini, Giunta l’ora fatal (Il pianto di Maria), formerly attributed to Handel, HWV 234. US | UK | DE | CA | JP
John Eccles (1668-1735). The Judgement of Paris (London 1700) / Three Mad Songs. Chandos Chaconne 0759 (1 CD, March 2009). Christian Curnyn, The Early Opera Company. Claire Booth, soprano; Lucy Crowe, soprano; Susan Bickley, mezzo-soprano; Benjamin Hulett, tenor; Roderick Williams, baritone. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Marin Marais. Pièces en trio (1692). Ambronay (1 CD, April 2009). Dirk Börner, harpsichord & direction, Aux Pieds du Roy. UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn & Leopold Hoffmann. Concertos for Violin, Cello & Flute. Eloquentia (1 CD, April 2009). Julien Chauvin, violin; Atsushi Sakaï, cello; Alexis Kossenko, flute. Le Cercle de l'Harmonie. . FR | DE | CA
Pachelbel. Clavier Music vol 1. MDG (1 CD, March 2009). Franz Raml, harpsichord & organ. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Gottlieb Muffat (1690-1770). Componimenti Musicali per il Cembalo (c.1736). Glossa GCD 921804 (2 CDs, April 2009). Details. Chrysander score (pdf). Mitzi Meyerson, harpsichord. Gottlieb Muffat was a significant source of Handel borrowing. One example. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621). The Secular Vocal Works. Glossa GCD 922401 (3 CDs, May 2009). Details. Harry van der Kamp, Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam. I: Chansons; II: Italiaanse Rimes & Madrigalen; III: Franse Rimes, Canons & Luitwerken. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621). Music for Harpsichord: Fantasia Cromatica, Echo Fantasia. Naxos (1 CD, May 2009). Glen Wilson, harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Buxtehude. Opera Omnia 10: Organ Works 5. Challenge Classics (2 CDs, March 2009). Ton Koopman, organ. UK | FR | DE | JP
Handel. Israel in Egypt (Mendelssohn arrangement 1833). cpo (2 CDs, April 2009, recorded in 2001). Hermann Max, Das Kleine Konzert. Monika Frimmer & Veronika Winter, sopranos; Heike Grötzinger, mezzo-soprano; Hans Jörg Mammel, tenor; Ekkehard Abele & Gregor Finke, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Alcina - Arias (Alcina & Morgana) & Suites. Avi 42 6008553143 1 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Christine Schäfer, soprano. Rainer Kussmaul, Berliner Barock Solisten. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Alessandro Scarlatti. Intermezzi: Pericca e Varrone / Leonzio ed Eurilla. Hungaroton HCD 32563 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Pál Németh, Savaria Baroque Orchestra. Bernadett Wiedemann, mezzo-soprano; László Jekl, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Clori, Tirsi e Fileno (HWV 96) - Italian Cantatas vol. 5. Glossa GCD 921525 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Roberta Invernizzi, soprano; Yetzabel Arias Fernández, soprano; Romina Basso, contralto. Fabio Bonizzoni, La Risonanza. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Romanus Weichlein (1652-1706). Encaenia Musices, 1695. Symphonia (2 CDs, March 2009). Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria. DE
Alessandro Scarlatti. Euridice dall'Inferno (1699) / La concettione della Beata Vergine (Rome 1703). Naxos 8.570950 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Libretto (pdf). Ars Lyrica Houston. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
M-A Charpentier. Motets pour le Grand Dauphin. Alpha 138 (1 CD, January 2009). Details. Frédéric Desenclos, Ensemble Pierre Robert. Anne Magouët, soprano; Sarah Breton, mezzo-soprano; Edwin Crossley-Mercer, bass. Contents: Precatio pro filio Regis (H. 166); Fugue sur les anches (Louis Marchand); Sola vivebat in antris (H. 373); Fond d'orgue (Louis Marchand); Supplicatio pro defunctis (H. 328); Tierce en taille (Louis Marchand); Quemadmodum desiderat cervus (H. 174); O Salutaris hostia (H. 248); Fugue (Louis Marchand); Gratiarum actiones pro restitua delphini salute (H. 326). US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
M-A Charpentier. Missa Assumpta est Maria H.11. Glossa GCD 921617 (1 CD, April 2009). Details. Hervé Niquet, Le Concert Spirituel. Chantal Santon-Jeffery, soprano; Hanna Bayodi-Hirt, soprano; François-Nicolas Geslot, haute-contre; Romain Champion, tenor; Benoît Arnould, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. Mass in B Minor BWV 232. Challenge Classics (2 CDs, March 2009). Save La Petite Bande! Sigiswald Kuijken, La Petite Bande. Gerlinde Sämann, soprano; Elisabeth Hermans, soprano; Patrizia Hardt, contralto; Christoph Genz, tenor; Jan Van der Crabben, bass. FR | DE
Johann Adolf Hasse. Cantatas vol. 1. Brilliant Classics 93636 (1 CD, February 2009). Pietro Busca, Accademia del Ricercare. Lia Serafina, soprano; Gabriella Martellacci, contralto. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Acide (Festa Teatrale, Eisenstadt 1762). BIS 1812 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Manfred Huss, Haydn Sinfonietta Wien. Acide: Bernard Richter, tenor; Galatea: Raffaella Milanesi, soprano; Glauce: Jennifer O'Loughlin, soprano; Polifemo & Nettuno: Iván Paley, baritone; Tetide: Adrineh Simonian, mezzo-soprano. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. L'infedeltà costante - Operatic Arias & Overtures. dhm 88697326322 (1 CD, January 2009). Details. Anna Bonitatibus, mezzo-soprano. Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Music for Prince Esterházy and the King of Naples. BIS 1796/98 (3 CDs, February 2009). Details. Manfred Huss Haydn Sinfonietta Wien. 6 Scherzandi, Baryton Octets, Concerti a due lire for the King of Naples, Notturni for the King of Naples. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Francesco Feo (1691-1761). Missa / Confitebor. cpo 777 333-2 (1 CD, March 2009). Matthias Jung, Sächsisches Vocalensemble, Batzdorfer Hofkapelle. Anja Zügner, soprano; Dorothea Wagner, soprano; Dominika Hirschler, contralto; Tobias Hunger, tenor; Tobias Berndt, baritone. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Pirro Capacelli Albergati (1663-1735). Corona dei Pregi di Maria - Cantate a voce sola Op. XIII (Bologna 1717). Tactus TC 660103 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Ensemble La Flora. Alida Oliva, soprano. Solo cantatas interspersed with chant by Tomas Luis da Vittoria. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Passion Cantatas: Ich will den Kreuzweg gerne gehen. cpo 777 299-2 (1 CD, March 2009). Klaus Mertens, baritone. Shalev Ad-El, Accademia Daniel. Der am Ölberg zagende Jesus TWV 1:364; Was gibst du denn, o meine Seele TWV 1:1510; Jesus liegt in letzten Zügen TWV 1:983; Ich will den Kreuzweg gerne gehen TWV 1:884; Ach Herr! Lehr uns bedenken wohl TWV 1:24. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
François Couperin, M-A Charpentier, Michel Lambert. Ténèbres du Premier Jour. Ambronay (1 CD, April 2009). Emmanuel Mandrin, Les Demoiselles de Saint-Cyr. UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Rameau. Les Indes Galantes. Naïve (1 CD, March 2009). Christophe Rousset, harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. La Diva - Arias for Cuzzoni. Berlin Classics (1 CD, March 2009). Wolfgang Katschner, Lautten Compagney. Simone Kermes, soprano. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Opera arias & duets. Naïve / Opus 111 OP 30483 (1 CD, January 2009). Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano. Sandrine Piau, soprano; Sara Mingardo, contralto. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Mozart, Gluck, Grétry, Krumpholz. Le Salon de Musique de Marie-Antoinette. Naïve (1 CD, March 2009). Sandrine Chatron, harp; Jean-François Lombard, tenor; Stéphanie Paulet, violin. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. The Cello Suites BWV 1007-1012. Accent ACC 24196 (2 CDs, January 2009). Sigiswald Kuijken, Violoncello da spalla (shoulder-cello) built by Dmitry Badiarov. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Ferdinand Ignaz Hinterleithner (1659-1710). Musical Miracles. dhm 88697449392 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Trio Liuto Concertato. Lutz Kirchof, lute; Martina Kirchof, pardessus de viol; Judith Sartor, viola da gamba. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Bruhns et al. Mein Herz Ist Bereit - German solo cantatas from the 17th Century. Pan Classics PC 10211 (1 CD, December 2008). Details. Peter Kooij, bass. CordArte. Bruhns, Mein Herz ist Bereit; Tunder, Salve coelestis pater; Pachelbel, Ach Herr, wie ist meiner Feinde so viel; Rosenmüller, Lauda Jerusalem; Biber, Nisi Dominus, plus instrumental works by Buxtehude, Tunder, Schmelzer & the Kriegers. FR | DE
Carl Friedrich Abel. The Drexel Manuscript Suites. Glossa GCD 920410 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Paulo Pandolfo, viola da gamba. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Belezza Crudel. 2L 56 (1 CD, November 2008). CD booklet (pdf). Tone Wik, soprano. Barokkanerne. Cantatas RV 679, 680, 664 & 678 & Concertos RV 484 & 441. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
William Byrd. Hodie Simon Petrus. Hyperion CDA 67653 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Andrew Carwood, The Cardinall's Musick. Volume 11 of 13 in The William Byrd Edition. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Henry Purcell. Dido & Aeneas. Chandos CHAN 0757 (1 CD, January 2009). Elizabeth Kenny & Stephen Devine, OAE. Dido: Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano; Aeneas: Gerald Finley, baritone; Belinda: Lucy Crowe, soprano; Sorceress: Patricia Bardon, mezzo-soprano; Spirit: William Purefoy, countertenor; Second Woman: Sarah Tynan, soprano; Sailor: John Mark Ainsley, tenor. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Jephtha. (HWV 70, London 1752). Carus 83.422 (3 CDs, December 2008). Details. Matthias Grünert, Dresdner Barockorchester, Kammerchor der Frauenkirche. Iphis: Birte Kulawik, soprano; Angel: Miriam Meyer, soprano; Storge: Britta Schwarz, mezzo-soprano; Hamor: Patrick van Goethem, countertenor; Jephtha: Markus Schäfer, tenor; Zebul: Gotthold Schwarz, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Saul. (HWV 53, London 1739). Carus 83.243 (3 CDs, January 2009). Details. Hans-Christoph Rademann, Dresdner Barockorchester, Dresdner Kammerchor. Michal: Ditte Andersen, soprano; Merab: Anna Prohaska, soprano; Jonathan: Maximilian Schmitt, tenor; David: Tim Mead, countertenor; Saul: York Felix Speer, bass; High Priest and Witch of Endor: Eric Stoklossa, tenor. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Israel in Egypt. (HWV 54, London 1739). Carus 55.054 (2 CDs, January 2009). Details. Holger Speck, Les Favorites, Vocalensemble Rastatt. Antonia Bourvé & Cornelia Winter, sopranos; Michael Hofmeister & Terry Wey, countertenors; Jan Kobow, tenor; Markus Flaig & Konstantin Wolff, basses. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. New Discoveries. Naïve / Opus 111 Vivaldi Edition OP 30480 (1 CD, March 2009). Details. Federico Maria Sardelli, Modo Antiquo. Romina Basso, mezzo-soprano. Includes motet Vos invito RV 811; Se lento ancora il fulmine, aria from Agrippo RV 697; aria Se fide quanto belle RV 749.32; concerto RV 157 for strings; concerto RV 812 for oboe & cello; concerto RV 578a for two violins and cello; sonata RV 806 for recorder; sonatas RV 798 & RV 810 for violin. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Arie per un'amante. dhm 88697388672 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Núria Rial, soprano; Margot Oitzinger, mezzo-soprano. Michi Gaigg, L'Orfeo Barockorchester. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Virgilio Mazzocchi (1597-1646). Vespro della Beata Virgine. Harmonia Mundi HMC 902001 (1 CD, February 2009). Details. Konrad Junghänel, Cantus Coelln, Concerto Palatino. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Philipp Förtsch (1652-1732). Sacred Concertos. cpo 777 369-2 (1 CD, January 2009). Roland Wilson, Musica Fiata, Capella Ducale. Gerlinde Sämann, soprano; Nele Gramss, soprano; Werner Buchin, countertenor; Hans Jörg Mammel, tenor; Marcus Brutscher, tenor; Wolf Matthias Friedrich, bass. Förtsch was an important librettist and composer at the Hamburg Opera in the 1680s. In these sacred works, Förtsch rearranged biblical texts in the style of opera libretti. In addition to operatic dialogues, there is fine, musically varied psalm setting for soprano, violin, viola da gamba and bc, "Aus der Tiefe". US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Leonardo Leo (1694-1744). Le Nozze di Iole ed Ercole. ORF 2011768 (2 CDs, November 2008). Christoph Hammer, Neue Hofkapelle München. Iole: Susanne Bernhard, soprano; Ercole: Kai Wessel, countertenor; Alceo/Teseo: Dominik Wörner, bass. ORF Shop.
Handel. Concerti grossi Op. 6. L'Oiseau-Lyre 4780319 (3 CDs, January 2009). Giovanni Antonini, Il Giardino Armonico. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Organ Concertos Op. 4. L'Oiseau-Lyre (1 CD, April 2009). Ottavio Dantone, Accademia Bizantina. US | UK | DE | CA | JP
Jean-Baptiste Barrière (1707-1747). Concert Spirituel - 6 Sonatas for Cello & Basso Continuo. dhm 8869738132 (1 CD, January 2009). Details. Jonas Iten, cello; Rainer Zipperling, cello & viola da gamba; Naoki Kitaya, harpsichord; Rosanto Conte, theorbo & guitar. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Concerti per Violino 3 - "Il Ballo". Naïve / Opus 111 Vivaldi Edition OPS 30474 (1 CD, March 2009). Duilio Galfetti, violin. Diego Fasolis, I Barocchisti. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Friedrich Fasch & Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch. Concerti & Ouverture. dhm (1 CD, October 2008). Cassone Spadano, Grazzi Bernardini, Zefiro. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Aminta e Fillide (HWV 83) / Clori, mia bella Clori (HWV 92) - Italian Cantatas vol. 4. Glossa GCD 921524 (1 CD, September 2008). Maria Grazia Schiavo, soprano; Núria Rial, soprano. Fabio Bonizzoni, La Risonanza. This superb performance and recording will be the NewOlde.com Best Handel Recording for 2008 (along with the Curtis Tolomeo).  US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Alessandro Scarlatti & Pergolesi. Masses. Naïve / Opus 111 OP 30461 (1 CD, October 2008). Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano. Scarlatti, Messa per il Santissimo Natale (1707); Pergolesi, Messa Romana "di S. Emidio" (1734). Highly recommended! The Pergolesi mass is musically the closest work recorded to date to his Stabat Mater. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. Aus der Tiefe - Cantatas 4, 131, 182. Mirare MIR 057 (1 CD, January 2009). Philippe Pierlot, Ricercar Consort. Katharine Fuge, soprano; Carlos Mena, countertenor; Hans Jörg Mammel, tenor; Stephan MacLeod, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. Solo Cantatas BWV 35, 169 & 170. Harmonia Mundi HMC 902016 (1 CD, January 2009). Details. Bernarda Fink, contralto. Petra Müllejans, Freiburger Barockorchester. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Christmas Cantatas / Ouverture à la Pastorelle. Christoph Bernhard. Fürchtett euch night - Weichnachtskonzert. Hungaroton HCD 32611 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Pál Németh, Capella Savaria. Mária Zádori, soprano; Judit Németh, mezzo-soprano; Gábor Kállay, tenor; Klaus Mertens, baritone. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Jean-Baptiste Lully. Cadmus et Hermione (1673). Alpha (DVD, October 2008). Livret: French / English. I was misled by the website promoting this DVD which proclaims that it features "prononciation restituée, travail sur la rhétorique gestuelle et chorégraphique, éclairage à la bougie et recherche sur la machinerie d'époque". While the singers' costumes and the sets are superb and the singers' gestures appear to be historically inspired, the opera is ruined by bizarre and silly modern ballet, ie, inappropriately costumed dancers turning trapeze-like somersaults while suspended on wires and a slow toe dance during Amour's air with occasional kicks, as well as other similar stunts. Despite the extremely high quality of performance by the leading historical dancers (at least in the U.S.), they again have been excluded from an ostensibly historical staging in favor of circus acts that clash with the rest of the production (but who meet the French government requirement of being French). This has been done before (by the same person, Jean-Marie Villégier) in the highly-touted but ridiculous and disappointing touring production of Atys that visited Brooklyn in 1989. It's unfortunate that, 19 years later, modern dance can still be passed off as historically inspired with nearly all the reviewers. Staging directed by Benjamin Lazar. Musical director: Vincent Dumestre, Le Poème Harmonique. Cadmus: André Morsch, baritone; Hermione: Claire Lefiliâtre, soprano; Charite / Melisse: Isabelle Druet, mezzo-soprano; Amour / Pales: Camille Poul, soprano; Arbas / Pan: Arnaud Marzorati, baritone; Nourrice / Echion: Jean-François Lombard, haute-contre. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Christoph Pepusch (1667-1752). Tenor Cantatas & Recorder Sonatas. Enchiriadis (1 CD, November 2008). Details. Muriel Rochat Rienth, recorder & director, La Tempesta Basel. Felix Rienth, tenor. UK | FR | DE | JP
Louis Couperin. Passacaille de Mr Couperin. Louis Couperin Edition Volume 2. Aeolus AE-10114 (1 CD, November 2008). Details. Bob van Asperen, 1681 Vaudry harpsichord. FR | DE
Handel. Acis & Galatea. (HWV 49a, London 1718). Linn Records CKD 319 (2 CDs, October 2008). Details. John Butt, Dunedin Consort & Players. Galatea: Susan Hamilton, soprano; Acis: Nicholas Mulroy, tenor; Damon: Thomas Hobbs, tenor; Coridon: Nicholas Hurndall Smith, tenor; Polyphemus: Matthew Brook, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann. Bass Kantaten. Rondeau ROP 6022 (1 CD, November 2008). Details. Gotthold Schwarz, bass; Sächsische Barockorchester. DE
Assisi - Christmas Cantatas. Phoenix Edition 149 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Christmas treasures from the library of the Sacro Convento in Assisi. Francesco Maria Benedetti (1683-1746), Cantata Morale per Il Santissimo Natale, Salve Regina; P. Zucari (c.1600), Salve Regina; G.B Po Del Finale, "Oh quam jubilat", Motetto per il Santissimo Natale; Porpora, "Stelle lucide". Werner Ehrhardt, L'Arte del Mondo. Ruth Ziesak, soprano; Reinhold Friedrich, trumpet. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Giulio Caccini (c.1550-1618). L'Euridice. Ricercar RIC 269 (1 CD, September 2008). Details. Nicolas Achten, Scherzi Musicali. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Telemann, Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688-1758), Johann Ludwig Bach (1677-1731). Mitteldeutsche Barockkantaten. Amati AMI 2305 (1 CD, November 2008). Michael Scholl, Telemann-Consort-Magdeburg, Biederitzer Kantorei. Susanne Gorzny, soprano; Steve Waechter, countertenor; Michael Zabanoff, tenor; Matthias Vieweg, bass. DE
Philippe Rogier (1561-1596) Missa Domine Dmoinus noster & Matheo Romero (1575-1647). Missa bonae vountatis. Ricercar RIC 271 (2 CDs, September 2008). Details. Jean Tubéry, La Fenice, Choeur de Chambre de Namur. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Franz Xavier Hammer (1741-1817). The Last Gambist - Sonatas for Viola da Gamba. Christophorous CHR 77303 (1 CD, November 2008). Details. Simone Eckert, Hamburger Ratsmusik. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Monteverdi. Vespro della Beata Vergine (1610). Challenge Classics CC 72311 (2 CDs, October 2008). Details. Sigiswald Kuijken, La Petite Bande. Follows Monteverdi's instructions in the 1610 edition, with one voice per part. UK | FR | DE | JP
Jean Gilles (1668-1705). Requiem / Motet "Cantate Jordan Incolae". Ligia Digital (1 CD, November 2008). Jean-Marc Andrieu, Orchestre Les Passions, Choeur de chambre Les Éléments (Joël Suhubiette). Anne Magoüet, soprano; Vincent Lièvre-Picard, haute-contre; Gilles Ragon, tenor; Alain Buet, baritone. Interview with Jean-Marc Andrieu about Jean Gilles. The grand motet "Cantate Jordan Incolae", previously recorded by Niquet on Adda in 1989, is one of the finest large scale choral works of its time. FR | DE
Michel Corrette. Concertos pour Orgue / Noëls. Tempéraments (1 CD, November 2008). Fabio Bonizzoni, organ, Ensemble La Risonanza. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
François Couperin. Pièces de Clavecin des Livres I & II. Alpha 136 (2 CDs, November 2008). Details. Frederick Haas, 1751 Hemsch harpsichord. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. La Fida Ninfa. (RV 714, Verona 1732). Opus 111 / Naïve (3 CDs, November 2008). Jean-Chrisophe Spinosi, Ensemble Matheus. Morasto: Verónica Cangemi, soprano; Licori: Sandrine Piau, soprano; Osmino: Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor; Elpina/Giunone: Sara Mingardo, contralto; Narete: Topi Lehtipuu, tenor; Oralto/Eolo: Lorenzo Regazzo, bass. Spinosi's first two Vivaldi opera recordings are the absolute worst of the worst -- the musical equivalent of Eurotrash contemporary stagings, with extreme, squeezebox dynamics and extreme tempo variations. Griselda is only a slight improvement, thanks to the recording engineers. It is improbable that this will be any better, as corrupt or incompetent reviewers in the mainstream media and at commercial classical magazines such as Goldberg and Gramophone and the moronic shills who post reviews on Amazon consistently have lavished praise on Spinosi's atrocities. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.S. Bach. Cantatas Vol. 4: La Nativité. Atma Classique SACD 22403 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Cantatas BWV 61, 122, 123 & 182. Fourth volume in the slowly progressing Canadian OVPP complete Bach cantatas project. Eric Milnes, Montréal Baroque. Monika Mauch, soprano; Matthew White, countertenor; Charles Daniels, tenor; Harry Van Der Kamp, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Alessandro Melani (1639-1703). L'Europa (Festa teatrale) / Sacred Works. cpo (1 CD, October 2008). Hermann Max, Das Kleine Konzert. Veronika Winter, soprano; Cornelia Samuelis, soprano; Kai Wessel, countertenor; Benoît Haller, tenor; Ekkehard Abele, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Georg Böhm (1661-1733). Cantatas (vol. 2). dhm 88697405442 (1 CD, October 2008). Ralf Popken, Capella Sancti Georgi, Musica Alta Ripa. US | UK | DE | FR | CA | JP
Handel, arranged by Mendelssohn (1828/29). Acis & Galatea. (With a different German translation than in Mozart's arrangement.) Carus 83.420 (1 CD, October 2008). Details (pdf). Nicholas McGegan, FestspielOrchester Göttingen, NDR Chor. Galatea: Julia Kleiter, soprano; Acis: Christoph Prégardien, tenor; Damon: Michael Slattery, tenor; Polyphem: Wolf Matthias Friedrich, baritone. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Reinhard Keiser. Dialogus von der Geburt Christi (Christmas Oratorio); Graupner, Magnificat. Carus 83.417 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Jürgen Ochs, Rastatter Hofkapelle. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
C.P.E. Bach. Magnificat / Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes (Cantata). Carus 83.412 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Fritz Näf, L'arpa festante, Basler Madrigalisten. Monika Mauch, soprano; Matthias Rexroth, countertenor; Hans Jörg Mammel, tenor; Gotthold Schwarz, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Buxtehude. Opera Omnia 9: Organ Works 4. Challenge Classics (1 CD, October 2008). Ton Koopman, organ. See the devastating review in Early Music Review. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Parnasso in Festa. (Serenata, HWV 73, London 1734). Hyperion CDA 67701/2. (2 CDs, October 2008.) Details. Matthew Halls, The King's Consort. Clio: Carolyn Sampson, soprano; Orfeo: Lucy Crowe, soprano; Calliope: Rebecca Outram, soprano; Apollo: Diana Moore, mezzo-soprano; Clori: Ruth Clegg, contralto; Marte: Peter Harvey, bass. Moore's arias have to be skipped, as she sounds like she swallowed a vibrator. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. English Cantatas. Avie AV 2153 (2 CDs, September 2008). Nicki Kennedy, soprano; Sally Bruce-Payne, contralto. Brook Street Band. Contents: Cantata: So Pleasing the Pain Is; Cantata: With Roving; Cantata: To Lonely Shades; I like the am'rous youth that's free; An Answer to Collin's Complaint; The Forsaken Nymph; Dear Adonis, Beauty's Treasure; Love's but the Frailty of the Mind; 'Twas when the seas were roaring; Transporting Joys. The arias in the cantatas were taken from Giulio Cesare, Flavio, and Ottone with new English words. Recommended! US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Francesco Cavalli. Gli amori d'Apollo e di Dafne. K617211/2 (2 CDs, October 2008). Gabriel Garrido, Ensemble Elyma. Dafne: Rosa Domínguez, soprano; Apollo: Anders Dahlin, tenor; Aurora: Emanuela Galli, soprano; Cefalo: Stephan Van Dyck, tenor; Amore: Paola Quagliata, soprano; Alfesibeo / Sonno: Furio Zanasi, bass. Italian/French libretto (pdf) (not included in printed booklet). UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
G.B. Bononcini. San Nicola di Bari (Rome 1693). Ramée RAM 0806 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Peter Van Heyghen, Les Muffatti. Lavinia Bertotti, soprano; Elena Cecchi Fedi, soprano; Gabriella Martellacci, contralto; Furio Zanasi, baritone. UK | FR | DE | JP
Marin Marais. Pièces de Viole, Book 2, Part 1 - Les Folies d'Espagne. Ligia Digital Lidi 0301195-08 (2 CDs, October 2008). Jean-Louis Charbonnier, bass viol; Paul Rousseau, bass viol; Claire Giardelli, bass viol; Mauricio Burgalia, theorbo; Pierre Trocellier, harpsichord. FR | DE
Vivaldi. Vespro per la Vergine. dhm 88697318702 (1 CD, October 2008). Details. Roland Wilson, Musica Fiata, La Capella Ducale. Contents: Nisi Dominus RV 803, Dixit Dominus RV 807, Magnificat RV 610, Lauda Jerusalem RV 803, Laetatus sum RV 607, Domine ad adjuvandum RV 593. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Johann Philipp Kreiger (1649-1725). Lieben und Geliebet Werden - Music from operas. NCA (1 CD, September 2008). Wolfgang Katschner, Lautten Compagney. Mona Spägele, soprano; Wilfred Jochens, tenor; Wolf Matthias Freidrich, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Musiques au temps de Richelieu. Musiques à la Chabotterie 605005 (2 CDs, September 2008). Hugo Reyne, La Simphonie du Marais. One CD includes sacred music (a=392) by Boesset, Bouzignac, Formé, Gantez & others. On the other CD is the Ballet de la Prospérité des armes de France (a=440) with music by Chancy, La Barre, Mollier, Verpé and others. US | UK | FR | DE | JP
Porpora. Or sì m'avveggio, oh Amore - Cantatas for soprano. Hyperion CDA 67621 (1 CD, September 2008). Details. Elena Cecchi Fedi, soprano. Carlo Ipata, Auser Musici. Highly recommended! US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Joshua. (HWV 64, London 1748). MDG (2 CDs, August 2008). Peter Neumann, Collegium Cartusianum, Kölner Kammerchor. Achsah: Myung-Hee Hyun, soprano; Othniel: Alex Potter, countertenor; Joshua: James Gilchrist, tenor; Angel: Georg Poplutz, tenor; Caleb: Konstantin Wolff, bass. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Zelenka. Missa Votiva (ZWV 18, 1739). Zig-Zag Territoires (1 CD, August 2008). Details. Václav Luks, Collegium 1704. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. Furore - Arias. Virgin (1 CD, November 2008). Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano; Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Haydn. Italian Arias. DG (1 CD, October 2008). Thomas Quasthoff, bass-baritone. Gottfried von der Golz, Freiburger Barockorchester. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Handel. 9 German Arias; Johann Mattheson, 3 German Arias. Carus 83.426 (1 CD, August 2008). Details. Monika Mauch, soprano. Rien Voskuilen, L'arpa festante. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Le Grazie Veneziane - Music from the Ospedali. Porpora, De profundis; Hasse, Laudate pueri; Galuppi, Dixit Dominus. Carus 83.264 (1 CD, August 2008). Details. Peter Kopp, Dresdner Instrumental-Concert, Vocal Concert Dresden. Emanuela Galli, soprano; Maria Grazia Schaivo, soprano; Josè Maria Lo Monaco, mezzo-soprano. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Vivaldi. Mottetti Sacri. Stradivarius (1 CD, August 2008). Claudio Astronio, Harmonices Mundi, Bozen Baroque Orchestra & Choir. Susanne Rydén, soprano; Gemma Bertagnolli, soprano; Massimiliano Mauthe, countertenor. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
Benedetto Marcello. Joaz (Vienna 1726). ORF 2011382 (2 CDs, June 2008). Christoph Hammer, Neue Hofkapelle München. Athalia: Maria Erlacher, soprano; Joaz: Markus Forster, countertenor; Josabet: Ulrike Hofbauer, soprano; Mathan: Daniel Johannsen, tenor; Azaria: Martin Bruns, baritone; Joiada: Dominik Wörner, bass. Libretto by Apostolo Zeno. There are so many musical styles represented in this work that it sounds like a pasticcio, yet none of the music is recognizable to me as borrowed. It is likewise variable in quality, but the best arias are very fine. Includes a booklet with Italian/German and separate English librettos that was missing from the first copy I received. ORF Shop. FR
Jean-Baptiste Lully. Ballet des Arts (1663/1685). Accord (1 CD, June 2008). Details. Hugo Reyne, La Simphonie du Marais. Lully ou le Musicien du Soleil, Volume X. US | UK | FR | DE | JP

Reissues of Particular Interest

Handel Opera Collection. dhm 88697489402 (22 CDs, April 2009). Details. This reissue includes the S. Kuijken recording of Alessandro, which has been out of print for many years. The best of the remaining opera recordings are Lotario (Curtis), Partenope (Kuijken) & Rodelinda (Schneider). Of these, only Schneider's Rodelinda has been superseded by a clearly superior recording. The others are of little or no interest: Malgoire's lackluster Rinaldo, Serse & Tamerlano and the comically incompetent old Treigle recording of Giulio Cesare. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Handel. 6 Operas: Rodrigo, Radamisto, Admeto, Fernando, Arminio, Deidamia. Virgin 6958622 (15 CDs & 1 CD-ROM with booklet texts). Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Handel. Operas. Harmonia Mundi (9 CDs & 1 CD-ROM with booklet texts). René Jacobs. Guilio Cesare, Flavio, Rinaldo, & Duetti da camera. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Telemann. Ino (Dramatic Cantata) / Overture in D (both c.1765). DG-Archiv. Barbara Schlick, soprano. Goebel, MAK. FR

Schütz. Histoire de la Résurrection / 7 Paroles du Christ + Johann Sebastiani (1622-1683), Matthäus Passion (1672). (2 CDs). Philippe Pierlot, Ricercar Consort. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Vivaldi Opera Edition. Naïve/Opus 111 OP 30470. Reissues of the first six Opus 111 Vivaldi opera recordings & Juditha Triumphans, plus the Alia Vox recording of Farnace. 27 CDs + 1 DVD + 208-page book. Recommended for the book and the recordings, of L'Olimpiade, Orlando Fïnto Pazzo, and Juditha Triumphans. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Vivaldi. Vespri per l'Assunzione di Maria Vergine. Opus 111/Naïve. Alessandrini. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Handel. Il Trionfo / Teseo / Amadigi. Warner (Erato), 6 CDs. Minkowski. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP

Blow. Venus & Adonis. L'Oiseau-Lyre. Pickett. US | UK | DE | FR | CA | JP

Vivaldi. Dorilla in Tempe. Pierre Verany. Bezzina. Better performance than all but two of the disappointing Naïve Vivaldi Edition opera recordings. FR | DE

Coming Soon

Annette Landgraf & David Vickers (eds). The Cambridge Handel Encyclopedia. Cambridge University Press (December 2009). 750 pages. US | UK | FR | DE | CA | JP
J.C. Bach. Opera Arias. Virgin Classics (1 CD, November 2009). Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor. Le Cercle de Harmonie.
Pietro Torri (1650-1737). Le Martyre des Macchabées. Musique en Wallonie (Forthcoming, live recording at the Namur Festival in July 2007). Details & livret (pdf). Jean Tubéry, Les Agrémens, Choeur de Chambre de Namur. Le jeune Macchabée: François-Nicolas Geslot, haute-contre; La mère du jeune Macchabée: Anne Magouët, soprano; Antiochus: Alain Buet, baritone; Éléazar: Bruno Rostand, bass; Menelaus: Matthieu Chapuis, tenor; Le Grand Prêtre: Etienne Debaisieux, bass.

Recommended Interviews from Goldberg

Vincent Dumestre by Yutha Tep, Issue 37.

Martin Gester by Brian Robins, Issue 36.

Sigiswald Kuijken by Brian Robins, Issue 34, in which he discusses the violoncello da spalla and holeless natural trumpet, among other matters.

Christophe Rousset by Brian Robins, Issue 33.

Also:

Jean-François Madeuf by Jeffrey Nussbaum on the Historic Brass Society website (2006). J-FM: "I never play [natural trumpet] with holes. I only did that when I was learning this very difficult (but so wonderful) instrument."

Early Music World - new website by Brian Robins

A note about web browsers.

http://www.newolde.com

Copyright © 2002-2009 John Wall