Among the few recordings of Serse in the catalogue, this one by Nicholas McGegan and the Hannover Band sets a new benchmark. The earlier recording by Malgoire seems harsh and abrasive alonside this more 'authentic' one, and the rather brutish playing of the Staatsoper Munich orchestra rather overwhelms the Farao recording.
The soloists for this recording are well balanced, and mostly Handel specialists. David Thomas is a roguish Elviro, though not as over the top as some previous practitioners. Susan Bickley is a girlish Romilda, Lisa Milne as Atalanta, Jennifer Smith as Amastris. Brian Asawa, one of the breed of new operatic countertenors from 'across the Pond' struts an exciting technique, coping admirably with the high tessitura of Arsamene's arias (written originally for a mezzo-soprano). Some may think his voice too feminine for other roles, but he seems right as Arsamene. The title role is sung by Judith Malafronte, but for this reviewer her voice sounds too mannerly and reserved for the role of Serse (in comparison to the oft criticised Anne Murray on Farao and DVD).
The orchestral playing and conducting are first-class, as is the documentation and sound quality. That said, the singers are sometimes placed a little backward, but this should not spoil the enjoyment of the Handel specialist or the intrepid listener seeking a first taste of Handelian opera seria. Warmly recommended as an essential in anyone's Handel or operatic collection