“Ouvertüren” Music for the Hamburg Opera = SCHURMANN: Suite Louis le Pleux; ERLEBACH: Overture No. 4; KEISER: Le Ridicule Prince Jodelet (Sinfonia); HANDEL: Almira, suite of dances; SCHIEFERDECKER: Concerts musicaux: Premier Concert (Harmonia mundi)

In 1678 the first opera house in Germany to be run on commercial lines
opened its doors in Hamburg, and these selection come from its first 40
years – including a work by the very young Georg Frederik Handel. It is
interesting that most of the works have French titles – some are even
described as being in the French style. The pieces are all exquisite
and their unfamiliarity adds interest.  Performances seem
authentic and very artful. The Akademie is one of the leading early
music ensembles in Europe today, the 19-member group having been
founded in East Germany in l982. Both sonics and packaging (in a
jewelbox alternative) are first rate.

– John Sunier