Arie italiane per basso. Modo Antiquo. Federico Maria Sardelli  Deutsche Grammophon 477 8361****

The anniversary year of Handel has seen many memorable recital discs from that composer, but because of the association of his music with the vocal pyrotechnics of the Castrati, these have been mostly by sopranos and mezzo sopranos.

This disc by an excellent bass-baritone is welcome, as it shows the fine music that Handel wrote for the male voice, broadening our appreciation of the extent and range of his operatic achievement. The recital covers music taken from Handel’s operas, encompassing many emotions and vocal styles.The singer has both sensitivity and technique, conveying the anguish of the lamentations while also realising the coloratura demands of the music without difficulty. Sensitive accompaniment from period ensemble Modo Antiquo. www.deutschegrammo phon.com

Download tracks: Io di Roma il Giove sono, Tirannia gli diede il regno, Fra l'ombre e gl'orrori