Plectra Music is proud to present its latest release, Love in Arcadia: Duets and Trios by George Frideric Handel. Featuring performances by Laura Heimes and Julianne Baird, sopranos, Tony Boutté, tenor and Sumner Thompson, bass; accompanied by Douglas McNames, cello, and Karen Flint, Harpsichord. Rarely performed or recorded, the duets and trios on this CD were largely composed in Handel’s early career when he was in Italy (c. 1708-1711) and, while quite different from his operatic compositions, offer the musical delights expected from this great composer.

While he is mostly known for his oratorios, Massiah and Israel in Egypt among others, and his Italian operas, written after he had settled in London, Handel spent several years inn Italy where he was associated with the Arcadian Academy, writing seven of the ten works on this recording.  The other three were written later in his career and reflect the music of his operas – indeed, some of these composition were reworked and will be recognized as some of his most loved choruses from Messiah.