Thank you both for the suggestions; I will be sure to check these out. Perhaps my previous aversion to these works is caused by the short attention span resulting from being born in this century:-). In any case, I will give them a listen after I make my way through some of Ralph Moore's other recommendations from his excellent surveys. Thanks
Why not start with a one-act piece like Rameau's Pygmalion ?....a number of recordings are available.
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and stylish playing in the style of the day when the older rather-heavy laden type of baroque performances were being superseded.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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