London in the 1730s - musical life was flourishing around the figure of Handel. The Saxon composer also served as director; at the height of his fame he surrounded himself with the finest London musicians and was joined by many foreign composers to occupy the long breaks between the acts of his oratorios. Their musical interludes accompanied lavish dinners, during which Mr Handel escaped from the pit to indulge his gourmet tendencies.

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REVIEW:

Steger’s latest offering is a fun-filled imagining of the sorts of musical interludes that might have accompanied Handel’s interval dinners while his operas ruled the roost on London’s various stages. Extreme ensemble virtuosity, and the crackest of crack continuo units, are absolute non-negotiables when Steger’s around and La Cetra deliver on these throughout in joyous spadefuls.

– Gramophone