Harry Bicket and his English Concert – nonpareil Handelians, of course – recruited half-a-dozen accomplished singers (not a weak link among them) and made as thrilling a case for this entangled story
The English Concert remained bright, tight, and surprisingly hefty, throughout, contributing stellar instrumental episodes that began early with the fearsome period horns
As Berenice, Crowe has to carry much of the action and feeling alike. She never slackened or stumbled. Golden lyricism we heard in abundance, especially in floating and soaring phrases at the top of her range. But there was a solid core of authentic expression behind the showpiece runs and leaps
*****
Boyd Tonkin, The Arts Desk
Under the direction of the distinguished Handelian conductor Harry Bicket, who led from the harpsichord, the famed English Concert were on resplendent form, playing with a special command of style, rhythmic vitality, and breath. The performance sounded both noble and theatrically strong, proving persuasive at every moment.
Critics’ Point
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