Handel. Saul. Concerto Koln/jacobs

Rosemary Joshua (soprano), Emma Bell (soprano), Lawrence Zazzo (countertenor), Jeremy Ovenden (tenor), Gidon Saks (bass-baritone), RIAS Kammerchor, Concerto Köln, René Jacobs

Although oratorios are not intended to be staged, Handel's Saul is something of an exception – for one thing, it contains extremely precise stage directions which were printed in the wordbooks distributed at performances. Hence audiences at the first English oratorios could construct a form of mental theatre, aided by Handel's dazzling musical depiction of the action: as we listen, we can see Goliath's gigantic strides, the course of the Jordan, or Saul throwing his javelin.

Price: $18.98