The English Concert - Handel: La Resurrezione - Opera News

The English Concert’s thirty-two members disarm criticism with their stylistic brilliance and technical dexterity (whether strings, oboes, recorders or brass). Harry Bicket’s superbly authoritative direction provides an ideal musical anchor for the singers, all of whom possess the requisite musicality and interpretive intelligence.

Bicket’s two sopranos are appropriately contrasted: the sparkling Lucy Crowe (Angel) and the warmer, mellower voiced Sophie Bevan (Mary Magdalene). Crowe’s astonishingly fleet coloratura, trills and wide range are continually impressive, as do the energy and positivity imbuing her characterization.

The engineering is splendid.