GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759): 5 pieces from Il Pastor Fido, Overture and Gavotte from Semele, Overture from Radamisto, WILLIAM BABEL (c.1690-1723): First Set, Second Set, Fourth Set (Suits of the Most Celebrated Lessons).

Description: Keyboard arrangements of opera arias, and Handel's in particular, were wildly popular in London well into the 19th century, whether by Handel himself or by others. Some of those others were hacks but Babell was one of the best and his Second Set also includes arias from operas by Haym and Gasparini. Three different period harpsichords are used (Kirckman, Shudi and Shudi & Broadwood). Hank Knox (harpsichord).