GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759): Siroe, HWV 24.

Description: One of Handel's more obscure operas (only one other recording currently available), this 1728 Metastasio setting dealing with rival queens of the ruler of Persia has been accepted as full of brilliant arias (no ensembles though) but harmed by its overcompliated libretto. 3 CDs. Italian-English texts. Yosemeh Adjei, Antonio Giovannini (countertenors), Anna Dennis, Aleksandra Zamojska (sopranos), Lisandro Abadie (bass). Göttingen Festival Orchestra (period instruments); Laurence Cummings.