The North American premiere of a 1734 Handel serenata is an interesting glimpse of the composer fulfilling his duties as unofficial court composer. Eyes and ears were on some of the strongly cast soloists.
Despite the large forces arrayed for the Easter and Ascension Oratorios, Jeffrey Thomas and his musicians achieve chamber music-like clarity and unforced communication.
The often-ignored repertory of 17th-century oratorios, was given a vigorous, musically satisfying revival in California Bach Society’s latest concert set.