Rodelinda (2005)

"Rodelinda was the third in a string of great operas Handel composed in 1724-25, Giulio Cesare and Tamerlano being the other two. Cesare and Tamerlano have fared very well on CD; Rodelinda has not. By default, this new version becomes the preferred available version, but it is by no means ideal–or even very good. (...) And so we have this new presentation. Simone Kermes’ portrayal of the stronger-than-Penelope character of Rodelinda is gorgeous, the sound at the top occasionally metallic in a fascinating way, and her diction fine, divisions accurate and embellishments stunning. (...) His Il Complesso Barocco plays beautifully, the strings lustrous and winds pointedly used and expertly highlighted."(classicstoday.com)