Ron Chaplin wrote:

>Lately, I've been wanting to listen to an opera by Handel, but have
>no idea which one I should start with.

*Me* actually recommending music before 1850!  Hmm.  Maybe I'm
maturing....or just getting old...

Anyway, I recommend Handel's "Dixit Dominus." Not an opera, I know,
so all of you just retract your collective claws--I *was* educated in
California public schools!

Not only is the Dixit infectous and fun, (I sang alto for this piece in
my college choir to lend a more authentic sound--either to me or the music,
I don't know which....), but the "De torrente in via bibet" is downright
stunningly beautiful!  If you are arriving at Handel via the Romantic or
Classical period, this little adagio looks forward to the pathos of both.

And it's only 1 Cd: Simon Preston on Archiv  #423594

John Smyth