Holger Speck & Vocalensemble Rastatt - Handel: Israel in Egypt (2016)

The history of Israel in Egypt has been somewhat problematic. It was only the second of Handel's English oratorios, and the first in which the choral sections overshadow the solos, a concept that perplexed and displeased the original London audiences in 1739, who were used to their evenings in the theater dominated by virtuosic solos. When Handel revived the work in 1756, he trimmed it considerably, entirely omitting the first section. This recording, with Holger Speck leading Vocalensemble Rastatt and the instrumental ensemble Les Favorites, uses the original complete score, which gives it a clear edge over the many abbreviated performances available of what was once considered the standard performing version.

Speck's reading tends to be on the reserved side. The performance is precise and disciplined, straightforward but energetic when called for, although the fieriest choruses lack the passion to really stir the blood. Even so, there's much to be said for performances that can transcend the churchy starchiness that often clings to this repertoire. The singers and players are absolutely in tune and perform with attractive tone that is nicely varied from movement to movement, depending on the character of the music. The seven soloists are very fine without being exceptional, and they blend beautifully in the many small ensembles. This performance makes a solid and appealing introduction to the work for those who don't know it and for anyone who knows it only in its shortened form. The sound of the Carus SACD is clean and vivid; the bass is particularly strong, and the trombones and bassoons dramatically make their presence known. -- Stephen Eddins