Performer: Richard Egarr

Two works by African American composers accompanied this 18th century music, now globally the most famous we have, which virtually disappeared until the middle of the last century.

Richard Egarr was able to put together a performance that – full of energy and dynamism – succeeded in bringing forward with great transparency, restraint and delicacy this score’s wonderful musical tapestry. 

Poor diction and lack of heft from some principals mar the composer's last great oratorio. 

Ares, Butt, Egarr and Foster play brilliantly, but they're at their best when there's no orchestra.

Lloyd-Evans' new production of Mozart's classic might be traditional, but there's no lack of astuteness in his direction of his characters. Problems in the pit hinder an otherwise strong musical performance.