The Venetian carnival season was an orgy in several ways, with theatres competing frantically to present famous singers in new operas, and endless rivalries and scandals. This amazing collection of showstopping hits from a single season, 1729 – almost all world premiere recordings – features unknown composers Orlandini and Giacomelli alongside the slightly better known Leo, Vinci and Porpora, while Albinoni wins on melody in two numbers from his Filandro. The shrewd Handel came to Venice to listen, and clearly learned from all the skill on show. Ann Hallenberg dazzles with sensational virtuosity and warm tone that is straight as a die, and Il pomo d’oro supports brilliantly.
