All tracks have been digitally mastered using 24-bit technology.

Recorded in: Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, London 25-27 September 1991 Producer(s) Nicholas Anderson Sound Engineer(s) Richard Lee Jonathan Cooper (Assistant)

Classical Music

Composed and arranged by Nigel Hess Recorded and mixed by Toby Alington, Keith Grant and Tony Philpot at CTS, PRT, West Heath, Olympic and BBC TV Music Studios, London Producer(s) Nigel Hess

Recorded in: St Michael's Church, Highgate, London 13-15 February 1996 Producer(s) Brian Couzens Sound Engineer(s) Ralph Couzens

Classical Music

Classical Music

3 discs for the price of 2!

This is the third reissue of Chandos' set of Hamilton Harty's complete orchestral works, and if you haven't heard this incredibly derivative but equally incredibly charming composer you're in for a treat. The influences range from Dvorák (Irish Symphony) to Rachmaninov (Piano Concerto), with plenty of Irish color in evidence everywhere else--but the one constant is Harty's skill at orchestration and general level of craftsmanship. The performances, featuring Bryden Thomson and the Ulster Orchestra in their first flush of success, have not been surpassed. It's a little sad to hear a set like this and recall just how exciting a label Chandos was at the time, how much new music there was to savor, and what a pace-setter these recordings were technically. Whether you listen out of nostalgia or simply to find something new and interesting, by all means do listen!
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Classical Music

Includes work(s) by Richard Addinsell. Ensemble: B. B. C. Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Rumon Gamba.

CDs of opera and oratorio arias and duets by Handel are hardly a rare event. Last year’s 250th anniversary of the composer’s death lead to something of a glut in the market. In this respect, Chandos - under its early music Chaconne label - has made a wise choice in waiting until this year to release this recording of dramatic duets. It enables us to sit back and assess it on its own terms rather than as yet another anniversary act of homage.

And this disc really is worth considering closely. Superbly recorded, it sounds alive, clear and acoustically rich. It also features a well balanced programme, mixing operatic with oratorio duets that cover the full range of emotional experiences endured by Handel’s characters – from painful separation to joyous reunion; and from loving harmony to malign scheming.

The playing from the English Concert under Harry Bicket is excellent. Their performance is a fully ‘authentic’ affair on original instruments, with the usual sections of the baroque orchestra augmented by organ, archlute and baroque guitar. The recording balance brings them more to the fore than is often the case in Handel recordings, and turns them from stage supporters, to fully fledged actors in each of the short scenarios. Take for example the painterly introduction to ‘To thee, thou glorious son of worth’ from Theodora (track 6), or the plaintive flutes that accompany ‘Vivo in te’ from Tamerlano (track 9).

And what of the two soloists – soprano Rosemary Joshua and mezzo Sarah Connolly? Both are experienced Handelians in the recording studio and, more importantly, on stage, and therefore bring an insight, vigour and commitment to each of their roles. Their voices are also sufficiently varied to enable the listener to differentiate between them: Joshua’s is bright and lithe; Connolly’s warm and supple. Occasionally their blend is a little indistinct – in ‘Notte cara!’ from Ottone, for example (track 5) – and Connolly’s characterisation of roles originally sung by male castrati could do with a little beefing up. But for sheer vocal beauty, there is very little to fault.

John-Pierre Joyce, MusicWeb International

"This is what happens when you give every bar of Handel’s music its own raison d’être and breathe every wisp of nuance into his flavourful duets and those prolonged “da capo” arias. This concert, delivered by the English Concert under Harry Bicket, offered two artists of great refinement: Connolly and the elegant soprano Rosemary Joshua. Actually, there was a third great artist here, too: Bicket led his ensemble with both dramatic concision and pungent expression."

-- The Times (London)

A slightly older contemporary of Vivaldi, Alessandro Marcello is a less well-known composer of the early eighteenth century, whose home town was Venice and whose younger brother was the more prolific Benedetto. These well-crafted concerti, the most famous works among his output, are sadly infrequently performed. The six 'La Cetra' concertos are unusual for their wind solo parts, instrumental contrasts and combinations, and use of counterpoint within a broadly, Vivaldian style. They provide a cross-section of Marcello's instrumental style of composition and can be seen as a last outpost of the classic Venetian baroque concerto. This was a popular CD on its original release, and is sure to be welcomed as a re-issue at Classics price.

Classical Music

Recorded in: Leeds Town Hall 9 October 1993 Producer(s) Brian Pidgeon Sound Engineer(s) Don Hartridge

Recorded in: St Bartholemew's Church, Orford, Suffolk 22-24 May 1995 Producer(s) Martin Compton Sound Engineer(s) Ben Connellan Peter Newble (Assistant)