Handel: Grand Concertos

Of Handel's offically published works, his opus 6 concertos can almost be considered analogues of those published earlier by Arcangelo Corelli, also an opus 6. In this recording, released in 2012, Al Ayre Español records half the collection, six concertos in all.

A more recent release by Die Akademie für Alte Musik, Berlin, did not change my opinion of my favorite recording remaining that by Antonini and Il Giardino Armonico, one of their last releases on Decca. The German ensemble's playing was solid, but I missed the rather expressive touches by the Italians. This version, however, offers some of that expression that might be worth a careful audition.

The recording is close and very clear, which makes some of their dramatic gestures sound a bit off, in terms of pregnant pauses with no sound, but all the same, their sometimes surprising tempi, the strong dynamic contrasts made for me this a very enjoyable listen, even if we don't get the entire collection.

I auditioned via Qobuz at CD resolution found a new favorite reading of Handel's opus 6 to include in my short list.