Anthony Camden, Nicholas Ward - Handel: Oboe Concertos Nos.1-3, Air & Rondo, Suite in G minor, Overture to Otho (1996)

Although the name of George Frideric Handel is most commonly associated with his great masterwork, the oratorio “Messiah,” he was a prolific composer whose music encompasses many different genres. Besides “Messiah,” Handel composed 26 other oratorios. He also composed over 40 operas, and hundreds of instrumental works, including many concertos.

“Handel: Oboe Concertos Nos. 1-3” is a CD that contains six of Handel's lesser-known instrumental works. In addition to oboe concertos nos. 1-3, the disc also contains an Air and Rondo, his Suite and G Minor, and the Overture to “Otho” in B flat major. Oboe soloists Anthony Camden and Julia Girdwood and the City of London Sinfonia, conducted by Nicholas Ward, perform all these works with simplicity and great artistry.

I have a great affection for music from the Baroque period. I especially enjoy Handel’s instrumental works, and "Handel: Oboe Concertos Nos.1-3" is one particular CD that very frequently graces my CD player. It features beautiful performances by brilliant musicians, and superior audio quality. Highly recommended.