A good recording of this quite wonderful work has been long overdue and it is heartening that Robert King and his splendid forces have given their best to their sublime task. King's group of soloists are amongst the most committed Handelians around and the recipe for success is indeed there. Of course it is fair to say that various incomplete and corrupt editions have plagued the work so it is doubly good to note that the version used here is as complete as one could expect, on both fronts. The opening Overture is taken from one of Handel's Concerti Grossi and is beautifully played, period scoring making the difference.

I was thrilled to listen to the beautiful voice of Susan Gritton who brings much colour and vigour to the proceedings. Sublimity is the keyword to this score, in fact you only have to listen to 'Come rather goddess' to experience the purity and marvel of Gritton's voice. Her main contribution comes in the Second Act, especially with 'But O sad Virgin', this is wonderfully accompanied by Jane Cole's searching cello part. Paul Agnew is also excellent especially in the duet, 'As steals the morn upon the night'. Both Agnew and Gritton lend searching vision to their contribution and by now, the captivating poetry of the oratorio will have captivated the hardest of hearts! We must not overlook Lorna Anderson's contribution, indeed in the aria, 'Sweet Bird that shun't the noise of folly', she is particularly in the limelight.

This 14-minute aria has her exhibit all the typical Handelian vocal tricks with the sensitive flute of Rachel Brown coaxing through proceedings. Robert King's conducting of the choruses makes one anticipate them like water in a drought, for as they are few and far between, they are the more welcome especially the energic 'Populous cities please us then'. It is obvious that this recording is now the prime recommendation for this, one of the most sensitive of Handel oratorios. Hyperion's packaging is, as usual magnificent with copious notes and a spectacular reproduction of 'The Shepherd' on the front cover. Crystal clear recording and the smell of pure class sums up another winner from The King's Consort.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

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