Academy of Ancient Music, Richard Egarr - Handel: 12 Solo Sonatas Op.1 (2009) CD-Rip

This is a terrific double CD of some Handel's sonatas for violin, flute, recorder and oboe which were grouped together as his Op.1. It is a part of Richard Egarr's cycle of all of Handel's "Opus" sets, all of which have been excellent. This is no exception.
Handel is, of course, justly celebrated for his orchestral writing and for his operas and oratorios, but I find his chamber music just as rewarding. It is tuneful and full of depth, light and real emotion. As these sonatas feature a variety of solo instruments, the programme itself never becomes samey and every one is a fine piece. I find some of the oboe sonatas especially affecting - try the opening Larghetto of the G minor sonata (No.6), for example. Simply lovely.
The musicianship is fabulous. Egarr himself is now a harpsichordist and conductor of international standing and has already made many truly great recordings a solist, in partnership with Andrew Manze and as director of the Academy of Ancient Music. This is as good as any of them. His fellow musicians are also brilliant: Pavlo Beznosiuk, Frank de Bruine and Rachel Brown are very fine players and are uniformly excellent here, with a deep understanding of the music and an excellent rapport with Egarr. The result is some wonderful chamber music playing.
Harmonia Mundi have recorded it beautifully with excellent balance and a warm, clear sound and have packaged the set very attractively with good notes. At the time of writing this set is at mid-price and is a real bargain for two discs of wonderful music, beautifully played. Very warmly recommended - a gem.