Here, however, the Dixit Dominus and the even more familiar Vivaldi Gloria are new recordings (from November 1998) which have apparently not been released before. The performances of these larger works, vivacious though not excessively rushed, are typical of Gardiner's ensemble at its best-which is very good indeed. In several movements of the Dixit Dominus, Gardiner interweaves a diverse and capable array of soloists with his chorus. The effect is both stylish and rewarding. Using no fewer than 12 singers in these two works, Gardiner reminds us what great resources of talent are available to the best Baroque conductors today. I particularly admired the alto Elinor Carter in the "Domine Deus" section of Vivaldi's Gloria.

The CD's centre of interest, though, is naturally the 'new' Handel Gloria. Gillian Keith is fully equal to the technical demands of this solo showpiece. But something is missing, hard to define yet easy to recognise when you hear it. I do hear it in Kirkby's recording: the sensitivity with which she brings together extremes of brilliance and pathos. Keith has virtuoso brilliance in plenty, and in a couple of movements she even takes slower, more reflective tempos than Kirkby, yet I miss the human warmth that informs Kirkby's version.

This CD is well worth acquiring and will give pleasure to many listeners. It certainly deserves Goldberg's 5-star accolade; but I wish I had a sixth star at my disposal for Kirkby's performance of the Gloria, which is unique and irreplaceable.

ERIC VAN TASSEL

GEORG FRIEDRICH HÄNDEL
John Eliot Gardiner
The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloist
Gillian Keith
Phillips 462 597-2
1998 - 78:21 min.