In this enchanting disc, Carolyn Sampsons ravishing, silvery tones are put to the service of some of Handels most joyous and profound music for the solo voice. Handel wrote little for his native tongue, but what he did demonstrates a particular level of contemplative pietism while still employing the familiar techniques of Italian opera. In these nine German arias he set the poems of his contemporary Barthold Heinrich Brockes, and their theme is that the abundant goodness of God is evident in the joy and beauty of His creation. The musical relationships with Handels opera arias are evident in the endless ingenuity of his characterization and the expressive, articulate melodies with which the soprano and the violin obbligato create their vivid images. These arias are paired with Handels three oboe sonatasdelightful works which demonstrate the composers enthusiasm for the instruments expressive capabilities and colours.