Handel - Concerti Grossi, Op. 6 / Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Orpheus plays without a conductor, but their performances lack neither precision nor the necessary flexibility. As far as modern instrument versions of these lovely concertos go, these rank with the best. Particularly gratifying is the discreet continuo, played in the background, as it should be. Too many performances turn these pieces into unintentional harpsichord concertos. Best of all, DG offers this set at a special price (three discs for the price of two). --David Hurwitz