Handel: The Triumph of Music

Hidden instrumental treasures from the operas & oratorios: There are hardly any fundamental differences between Handel's instrumental style and his writing for vocal parts. Many arias are so clearly based on dances and concertante compositions that they are understandable even without lyrics. For these reasons, it makes perfect sense for the solo parts of arias to be interpreted by instruments. For the grouping of the three "suites" on this concept album, the Baroque overture-suite type proved to be the guiding principle, as Handel incorporated it in his "Water Music." A multi-movement overture is followed by dances, character pieces, and arias in instrumental guise. For this purpose, solo instruments are used that correspond to the vocal original in their range and timbre, with the oboe, flute, violin, and violoncello being employed.