The Op 5 Trio Sonatas were published by John Walsh in 1739. Earlier publications of Handel’s chamber music were cobbled together by Walsh’s father without Handel’s involvement and, on this occasion, many movements were adapted without substantial alteration from Chandos Anthems and dance music which Handel composed for Marie Sallé in his Covent Garden operas. However, four sonatas feature newly composed music, so it seems likely that Handel had more personal influence upon the edition’s preparation than usual.

It seems that recordings of the Op 5 Trio Sonatas are like London buses: when one finally comes along, another is not far behind. Each of the London Handel Players is familiar on the early music scene: for example, Adrian Butterfield has led the English Baroque Soloists, and Laurence Cummings is director of the London Handel Festival. The Brook Street Band are a young ensemble making only their second disc.

Purists, with whom I sympathise, may disagree with the inauthentic use of the organ in some sonatas but the change of texture is appealing and certainly makes seven sonatas that were never intended to be heard one after another become palatable in one sitting. Others might argue that Handel’s music does not require artificial sweeteners.

Sometimes this repertoire outstays its welcome in unimaginative hands but the Handel Players’ performances are assured and surprisingly lyrical. The close recorded sound furthers the sense of immediacy. In The Brook Street Band’s vibrant version there is broad sweeping beauty in the beginning strains of Sonata No 1, which Handel based on his so-called violin concerto composed in Italy. The Musette from Sonata No 2 is played with muscle, producing vivacious textures bringing out an overtly pastoral bagpipe drone which polite interpreters usually regard as a mere pedal note. The Band’s playful continuo and zesty interplay between violins radiate joyfulness in the music.

There have been good recordings of Op 5 by London Baroque (Harmonia Mundi, 4/93) and L’Ecole d’Orphée (CRD, 4/85R). I doubt either new disc will be the last word on the matter: the Handel Players’ immaculately prepared interpretations possess subtlety and intelligence, and the Brook Street Band take the listener on a rollercoaster that takes in all the thrills yet never sacrifices Handel’s sincerity.