Handel L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato 1740

“★★★★★ The choral elements are scrupulously handled by the Gabrieli Consort, and the soloists are choice. Gillian Webster is the light, bright soprano, Laurence Kilsby the delightful treble tenor Jeremy Ovenden brings his words to life, while Peter Harvey provides a solid baritone and Ashley Riches a confident bass.”BBC Music Magazine

“The singing, from all soloists and chorus, has tremendous character and clarity, fizzing with excitement or languishing in lovely legato, and soprano Gillian Webster carries all before her with grace, easy elegance, and a ravishing range of vocal colour. McCreesh finds all the expressive opportunities in a blissful production, at times breathtakingly beautiful.”Choir & Organ

“Jeremy Ovenden sings with rounded, mellifluous tone and audible delight in Milton's imagery...Handel lovers can hardly fail to enjoy the mingled finesse and hedonistic delight of this new recording, its attractions enhanced by a stimulating essay from Handel scholar Ruth Smith.”Gramophone Magazine, Editor's Choice

“McCreesh’s direction is both alert and expressive, and his soloists are very fine. Gillian Webster shines in Penseroso’s famous nightingale aria, Sweet bird, and in the only duet in which mirth and melancholy come together — the sublime As steals the morn, one of Handel’s greatest hits.”The Sunday Times, Albums of the Year 2015

“★★★★★ Handel’s ravishing score, here realised to perfection by Paul McCreesh and his Gabrieli forces, evokes these scenes with colourful precision...A glorious recording: I cannot recommend it too highly.”The Observer

“★★★★ McCreesh’s superb Gabrieli Consort and Players present all this...with flair, a pristine sense of style and infectious energy...”The Times

“It’s a joy to hear the Gabrielis give us Handel again. The attention to detail, the vibrant tone, the briskly invigorating tempi, and the seamless ensemble are everything you could wish for.”Hi-Fi Plus