Collections of arias from Handel oratorios don't come much fresher than this. The concentration is on the alto voice, and although the star here is the excellent counter tenor Iestyn Davies, a soprano (Carolyn Sampson) does get a look-in in two duets – the alto parts were originally written for a range of male and female voices. There's nothing from Messiah, but the album includes three numbers from Esther (including the delectable Tune your harps to cheerful strains), and two from The Triumph of Time and Truth (including the gentle, recorder-accompanied Mortals think that Time is sleeping). All in all, with the period players of The King's Consort, especially the trumpets, in fine form (there are two overtures for good measure) this is a real treat. vivatmusic.com