While Handel was in Italy, the country’s vocal traditions influenced him greatly. He wrote a substantial amount of Italian cantatas and mini operas. They are based on secular texts, many of which deal with Arcadian tales and myths, usually about unrequited love. The three cantatas on this release are for tenor solo, and are sung by young Spanish tenor Jorge Juan Morata. Performing on period instruments, the Ensemble Recondita Armonia beautifully performs the two Sonatas which serve as an instrumental entr’acte between the cantatas. The ensemble has already recorded for Brilliant Classics to much critical acclaim.