Christina Pluhar: Handle Goes Wild

Can Baroque music team with improvisation? The chamber orchestra L’Arpeggiata, directed by Christina Pluhar, seems to defiantly say “Yes!” This album pieces composed by George Handel and through instrumentals and vocals by Valer Sabadus/ten and Nuria Rial/sop, mix rich classical with almost klezmer-like fervency. There are some moments of sublime strings as on “Cara Sposa” and the peppy “The Arrival of the Queen Of Sheba” and rich reeds flow on “Vivaldi: Allegro” and a Latin lilted “Sinfonia.” Joyful swing with voice is present on “Venti, Turbini” and “Where’er You Walk” and a gypsy pulse is strummed during “Piangeo’ La Sorte Mia.” This one will surprise you, as there is no hint of gimmickry or cold hearted cerebral tones. It’s worthy of a “Hallelujah” chorus!

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