This is an absolutely wonderful recording of some amazing 18th century incidental music. Joseph Martin Kraus' Aeneas in Carthage, which he worked on for about 10 years (due to production delays), must be a massive piece. Containing a prologue and five acts, the orchestral music alone (offered here) contains two large overtures, several marches (including a nifty March of the Numidians with "Turkish" percussion), and a magnificent concluding Chaconne. There's more than 69 minutes of music here, and we're not even talking about the singing.

God only knows how long the whole work is, but the music here is top quality. There's also an Archery Contest, a Storm, and a whole host of dances, all beautifully scored and tuneful in the best 18th-century Classical manner. The performance here is as lively and vibrant as the music. Patrick Gallois has the Sinfonia Finlandia playing with excellent ensemble and plenty of character. The winds make the most of their solo opportunities, while trumpets and drums cut through the texture with the requisite power. The final Chaconne is simply magnificent. First-rate engineering completes the picture. Don't miss this. [2/15/2010]

--David Hurwitz