Dream Handel Concert

The sort of faultless concert that comes along once in a blue moon.  Among many highlights are the countertenor Iestyn Davies as Solomon, and McCreesh's extraordinary conducting - including an endearing gesture (a bit like a dance move) during From the censer, at the words "Happy, happy Solomon" (54.40).  This is markedly better than McCreesh's earlier studio recording of this work, despite same choir and orchestra, and equally good cast of soloists on paper (Scholl as Solomon).  Pour a glass of red, plug in the headphones and enjoy over two hours of choral magic.