“…Cunningham directs London Early Opera from the harpsichord, and together they provide some stylish accompaniments, partnering the singers astutely in distilling the mood or affetto of each aria, but not unduly distracting attention away from the vocal line. Despite the ensemble comprising two dozen musicians, apart from Cunningham, the levity and unanimity of their playing sounds more chamber-like, so that occasionally greater depth from the orchestral sonority might have been welcome, but otherwise it ensures a bustling and energetic pace the rest of the time. Overall this is a mouth-watering compilation, made even more enticing with extensive notes about the singers and operas, along with texts and translations of the arias chosen.”  *****

“… Under Cunningham’s direction from the harpsichord, the instrumental playing of London Early Opera is just as compelling and stylish as the singing. Handel’s Queens is a vivid snapshot of 18th-century opera – and 21st-century historical performance practice at its most exciting.” ****½

Recording of the Month

Performance *****      Recording *****

“…While Handel has never sounded better, a distinction of this recording is the quantity and quality of its non-Handelian music, some previously list and premiered here. Together, Crowe, Bevan and Cunningham have reclaimed these masterworks.”