Combattimento Consort Amsterdam has achieved respectable success with stylistically accomplished performances of Baroque repertoire using predominantly modern instruments. This is only discernible if one listens carefully to the tone of the oboes or the timbre of the concertino violins in these performances of Handel’s Twelve Grand Concertos. Moreover, the use of modern strings and woodwind is by no means a disadvantage because there are some salient aspects of these performances that are closer to historically informed practice than those one hears from some period-instrument sets. For instance, Jan Willem de Vriend correctly employs two harpsichords and theorbo (chitarrone, to be exact), and also includes the optional oboe parts Handel added to four of the concertos (given plenty of presence by four oboists instead of merely two). Such closer fidelity to the constitution of Handel’s orchestra gives us vivid sonorities lacking from some of the finest period-instrument bands, such as the Avison Ensemble (whose subtler Linn recording uses fewer of everything).

The concertino group is a revolving door of seven different violinists: the solo passages during the Allegro in No 2 convey virtuoso excitement and the concertino fiddlers scrape eloquently while the charismatic droning bass has rustic directness in the Polonaise of No 3. There are a few isolated disappointments: the gorgeous Larghetto affettuoso in No 6 is unfortunately muscular, the affectionate Musette does not offer enough sentimentality and the opening of No 5 would have benefited from a lighter touch (such as that applied by Andrew Manze and the AAM). However, much here is enjoyable: the Allemande has the air of a solemn courtly dance and the Siciliana is exquisitely played during No 8, the Largos in Nos 7 and 9 are judiciously elegant, the penultimate Allegro of No 6 achieves convivial extroversion and the Andante larghetto e staccato that begins No 11 is gently playful. There are so many facets to Handel’s greatest orchestral masterpiece that few ensembles can capture them all but Combattimento Consort Amsterdam’s pursuit of dramatic conviction and rich textures is commendable.