Handel - Ottone / Minter, Saffer, Gondek, Spence, Popken, Dean; McGegan

Most of Handel's operas have at least some ravishingly beautiful musical moments, some drearily dry stretches, and a lot of music that sounds as though it was recycled from another of his works--in most cases because it was. Ottone qualifies in all three respects; there's some worthwhile music in this opera, but this score is probably primarily for those already converted to the Handelian oeuvre. Most of the singing in this recording is quite respectable, if on the less robust side, but Drew Minter's light, sweet countertenor makes him utterly unconvincing as a German warrior prince. Nicholas McGegan does his usual fine, thoughtful job of conducting. --Sarah Bryan Miller