Händel: Lotario (2CD)

The success of George Frideric Handel's Italian-style operas in London had passed its first peak in 1729. 'Lotario' - a tale of revenge and heroism based on events from the life of the Holy Roman Empress, Adelaide of Italy - was the first of a new series of works designed to revive interest and challenge society's new 'vile taste' for satire and light entertainment. Although it is one of Handel's least known operas, it demonstrates his great talent for composing compelling dramas with melodically rich and emotionally charged arias. This live recording is performed by the Halle Handel Festival Orchestra on period instruments. The celebrated conductor Attilio Cremonesi studied piano, organ, harpsichord and conducting in Piacenza and Basel and is today one of the most renowned specialists for rarely performed classical and baroque compositions. His numerous award-winning recordings bear witness to his remarkable success. As a sought-after interpreter of Mozart, Handel and Monteverdi as well as Rameau, Vivaldi, Purcell, Sartori, Hasse, Haydn and Rossini, Cremonesi is a welcome guest at renowned festivals and opera houses worldwide.