Mr Charles the Hungarian. Handel's Rival in Dublin

This strikingly played album presents a concert as it may have been given in Dublin in March 1742, masterminded by the shadowy figure of Mr Charles, the Hungarian—most probably Charles (Carlo) Vernsber, an entrepreneurial horn player and someone with an eye on cashing in on the ‘Handelmania’ that was gripping the city. Mr Charles contributes a lively Chasse, fruitily scored for two horns, but the bulk of the program is of Handel and Hasse with single works by Lully and Telemann. Handel’s Water Music is heard in an early version that uses oboe and clarinet in place of the later trumpets. Hasse’s Concerto is pure delight and showcases some gorgeous wind-playing.