Delos Diary

Something to really celebrate is the addition this month of American Bach Soloists releases to the Delos label.
One of the finest early music groups in America, the ABS, led by Jeffrey Thomas, debuts with discs of Corelli Concerti Grossi and Bach Harpsichord Concertos.
Later this fall comes a real blockbuster: the Handel oratorio Messiah, performed in much the way it was originally conceived by the composer, using a modestly-sized group of superbly skilled artists-soloists, chorus and orchestra, all well versed in 18th century performance style.
Soloists include soprano Arianna Zukerman (Eugenia Zukerman, one of our favorite flutists', daughter, no less), countertenor Daniel Taylor, tenor Steven Tharp and baritone William Sharp, these last three all ABS regulars. The indispensable chorus sings with the deft flexibility and emotional range you expect in a great Messiah.
And let's not forget conductor Jeffrey Thomas, a supreme stylist and master of Baroque musicmaking.
With this release we'll all get a chance to savor what audiences in the San Francisco Bay Area have been raving about for years.