Handel’s Op. 6 can be considered as the apotheosis of the genre of concerto grosso. Initially meant to fill in the entr’actes during the performances of his own operas and oratorios, this collection of catchy pieces includes a wide variety of compositional styles and is a perfect illustration of Handel’s undisputable melodic talent.
In this recording by Nicholas McGegan, one of the dozens this Handel connoisseur devoted to the composer, are performed the first four concertos from the Op. 6 and the very famous concerto known as Alexander’s Feast as it was first performed between the acts of the same name’s oratorio.