Stephanie Houtzeel, The Bouts Ensemble - Handel: Itlaiensiche Liebeskantaten und Kammermusik (2002)

The Bouts Ensemble is a chamber music ensemble devoted to the repertoire of the "high" baroque and pre-classical periods - ca. 1725-1775. Through performance of works by both famous and unjustly neglected composers, the group aims to contribute to a greater appreciation and understanding of music from this endlessly fascinating period. The members of this young group use their extensive experience in historical performance practice on period instruments to bring to this repertoire the virtuosity, vitality and intelligence that it demands.
"Houtzeel herself, endowed with a rich mezzo voice and secure technique, tears into the vocal works with a passionate intensity that is perfectly fitting…this release places high in its category of Handel recordings."