With his rich countertenor voice, Franco Fagioli is an enormously engaging advocate of these Handel arias. Alongside favourites such as “Ombra mai fu” (Serse), “Venti, turbini, prestate” (Rinaldo), “Ch’io parta?” (Partenope) and “Scherza infida, in grembo al drudo” (Ariodante), Fagioli has chosen some gems that show off both his ability to spin out a long melody and his agility in faster, more elaborate music. His partners are the wonderful, Italian-based period ensemble Il Pomo d’Oro, a go-to group for Baroque aria recitals and magnificent accomplices on this varied and characterful collection.