Brian Priestman's vinyl recordings of Xerxes and Rodelinda (two fine operas by Handel) date from the 1960s and feature some splendid voices and stylish playing in the style of the day when the older rather-heavy laden type of baroque performances were being superseded. Unfortunately they don't seem to have been re-issued on cd so will have to be looked for on places like ebay or borrowed from a library or collector-friends.
I am curious about recommendations for a first recording of a baroque opera. I love the more popular operas of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, etc. and am interested in getting to know some earlier works. I have tried to listen to one or two in the past but was quickly bored by the vast recitatives and seemingly endless de capo arias. I don't care whether or not the performance is period aware, but I do prefer big scale opera voices to like Wunderlich and Ewa Podles, who I know also sang in baroque operas. Any recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks
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