El Mesías / Josué / Jerjes / Julio César / Ariodante / Selecciones

Released by Philips in 1981, this compilation box set showcases a collection of excerpts from the major operas and oratorios of Georg Friedrich Händel. It features a distinguished roster of international soloists, including Elly Ameling, Janet Baker, and Samuel Ramey, performing under the baton of esteemed conductors Sir Colin Davis and Raymond Leppard. The collection was designed to highlight the breadth of Händel's dramatic vocal writing, juxtaposing the sacred grandeur of Messiah with the intricate, virtuosic arias found in works like Ariodante and Giulio Cesare.

The production reflects the mid-20th-century resurgence of interest in period-informed Händelian performance, emphasizing vocal clarity and orchestral precision. By pairing the London Symphony Orchestra with these specific vocalists, Philips sought to create a definitive anthology for the classical listener. Upon its release, the box set was received as a high-fidelity showcase of the era's leading vocal talent, effectively cataloging the transition of Händel’s operatic works from relative obscurity into the standard mainstream repertoire.