Rinaldo Alessandrini has directed plenty of Handel’s music in concert halls, churches and opera houses but has not committed much of it to disc. However, this shrewdly chosen anthology of overtures, arias and duets is another outstanding contribution to Concerto Italiano’s small Handel discography. A welcome relief from the plethora of unimaginative vanity recitals, almost none of this programme is predictable, but instead flows seamlessly through some of Handel’s finest lesser-known operatic music. Numbers from Flavio, Ezio and Alessandro are not inferior to the much-hackneyed favourites from Giulio Cesare and Alcina that usually litter such programmes, and this excellent selection reveals plenty about the composer’s genius for us to cherish. Moreover, the balance between solo spots for Sara Mingardo and Sandrine Piau (both on their very best form), several different kinds of dramatic duets and two fine overtures is intelligently designed. The duets are exquisitely interpreted and show an excellent feeling for musico-dramatic character: the two singers combine to rapturous effect in “Caro! Dolce! Amico amplesso” (Poro), one of Handel’s most erotic and gentle love duets, but they are also fantastic at conveying the unbridled exuberance of love in “Scherzano sul tuo volto” (Rinaldo). Piau is in her element in Fulvia’s intensely emotive soliloquy from Ezio (“Ah! Non son io che parlo”) and her coloratura is magnificent in Lisaura’s enraged “No, più soffrir non voglio” (Alessandro). Mingardo is comparably brilliant and lyrical in Dardano’s lament “Pena tiranna” (Amadigi) and Alessandro’s love aria “Da un breve riposo” is sung (and played) with hushed subtlety. The singing is of a miraculous standard throughout, and the performances are consummately insightful and naturalistic. Much of the credit must go to Alessandrini, who directs every accompaniment with perfect dramatic appositeness and natural compassion for Handel’s writing. The lilting siciliano “Mà chi punir desio” (Flavio) is ideally weighted and phrased, the fine overture to Alessandro is excellently articulated, and the recorders in “Vivo in te” (Tamerlano) are beautifully played. If only more Handel recital discs were as wonderful as this!