I don’t review a lot of full length audio only recordings of mainstream operas.  Generally I think video makes more sense but sometimes something comes along that attracts my attention.  The recent recording of Handel’s Serse by the English Concert with Harry Bicket was one such.  This time it’s the cast that caught my attention.  There’s Emily d’Angelo (are we allowed to call her “young” or “emerging” any more?) in the title role but also such fine Handel singers as Lucy Crowe as Romilda and Mary Bevan as Atalanta.  As it turns out there’s not a weak link in the cast and while these three turn in fine performances so do Daniela Mack (Amastre), Paula Murrihy (Arsamene), Neal Davies (Ariodata) and William Dazeley (Elviro). Continue reading →