Brisk and bracing, the incisive performances of
I Barocchisti are the main attraction of this hybrid SACD, which owes its success to this group's period instrumentation and historically informed methods, perhaps more than to any other aspect. Granted, Handel's jubilant Ode for St. Cecilia's Day, the Organ Concerto No. 13, and the coronation anthem Zadok the Priest already commend themselves, if not for being among his greatest masterpieces, then as essential secondary works. Furthermore, the idiomatic vocal performances by soprano Julia Gooding, tenor Jeremy Ovenden, and the Swiss Radio Choir are certainly attractive, though not out of the ordinary in this repertoire. But it's
I Barocchisti's brilliant sonorities and crisp articulation on authentic instruments that give this album its zest, and the quality of the program would be seriously diminished if any of these wonderful sounds were lacking. Directed by
Diego Fasolis, a master of early music techniques and styles, this Swiss orchestra is one of the leading ensembles in the field of Baroque music, with exceptional recordings of Bach, Monteverdi, and Vivaldi already to its credit, as well as Handel's Messiah; it has only increased its reputation with this terrific album. The DSD sound by Arts is transparent and incredibly realistic, so the musicians have great presence and absolute clarity accruing to their benefit.