• Tracks

George Frideric Handel: Arias & Duets - The Anniversary Edition 1759-2009 (2009). Anna Bonitatibus (mezzo-soprano), Antonio Abete (baritone), Arleen Augér (soprano), David Daniels (counter tenor), Della Jones (mezzo-soprano), Derek Lee Ragin (counter tenor), Gérard Lesne (alto), Gloria Banditelli (mezzo-soprano), Ian Bostridge (tenor). This ravishing selection of arias and duets is drawn from some of Handel's finest vocal works, among them the operas Xerxes (source of the famous 'Largo'), Ariodante, with it's gripping 'Scherza, infida', and, perhaps his most popular works for the stage, Giulio Cesare and Alcina. The generously-filled discs (two CDs for the price of one) also include the complete cantata Splenda l'alba in oriente and excerpts the dramatic cantata Armida abbandonata, the English ode L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, and the exquisite Neapolitan serenata Aci, Galatea e Polifemo. An international cast of outstanding Handelians includes Philippe Jaroussky, Natalie Dessay, David Daniels, Véronique Gens, Ian Bostridge, Joyce DiDonato, Stephanie Blythe, Janet Baker, Vivica Genaux, Gérard Lesne, James Bowman.