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The American countertenor David Daniels scores here in a collection of Handel arias, perfectly designed for the sensuous beauty and dramatic weight of his voice. Daniels has unusual reserves of lung power in gracefully arching slower arias like the famous "Ombra mai fù." His expansive temperament makes the heroic aria "Vivi, tiranno," from the opera "Rodelina" thrillingly violent. Daniels's unique vocal personality is perfectly scaled for Baroque opera. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, led by Roger Norrington, refreshingly cools down this feverish recital of songs about vengeance and love.

Daniels displays and deploys his talent here in a wide range of arias reflective and dramatic.... He uses his impeccable Italian to express wide-ranging emotions.... The recording is blameless so there's every reason to try this fine exposition of the countertenor's art.