Handel, Georg Frideric: Alcina

Alcina by Georg Frideric Handel
Cast: Arleen Auger, Della Jones, Kathleen Kuhlmann, Eiddwen Harrhy, Patrizia Kwella, Maldwyn Davies & John Tomlinson with the Opera Stage Chorus and City of London Baroque Sinfonia conducted by Richard Hickox.
Libretto by Handel after a scene from Orlando furioso by Ludovico Ariosto (performing edtion by Clifford Bartlett)
Label: HMV
Catalogue number: 2703 883
Country of Issue: Germany/UK
Date: 1986
Stereo
Digital (DMM)
Format: LP Boxed Set (4 discs plus booklet)
Label design: latest HMV red label full colour logo
Discs: Near Mint, unmarked
Outer box: Near Mint
Inner sleeves: original, polylined, as new
Booklet: full size 36pp, perfect

This item appears as new throughout except as mentioned above. Acquired by us in 2007 as part of a large collection but never played since.

Handel's reputation for producing fine operas blossomed in 1724,  and perhaps reached its peak in the 1734-35 season when he produced five operas,  the last of which was Alcina. Whilst Handel made some alterations in following years, this recording is of the first performing edtion of 1735,  which according to Anthony HIcks, the album note writer, is 'the finest in terms of musical content and dramatic consistency.'

This set is visually in as new condition, only showing the slightest surface marks (from moving into shelves).