In the winter of 1733-1734, the opera houses of London were abounding in Ariannas. In late December, Porporas Arianna in Nasso was staged by the Opera of the Nobility. In late January, Handels Arianna in Creta was staged by the composers own opera company. Comparison, apparently, proved odious -- and fatal: Porporas Naxos Arianna has fallen from the repertoire while Handels Cretan Arianna has barely hung on by her finger tips. This 2006 Greek performance with George Petrou leading the Orchestra of Patras is the works first recording in decades -- and, thankfully, its quite fine. Most of the women soloists -- and whether their characters are male or female, most of the parts here are sung by woman because most of the parts then were written for castratos -- are terrific. Mata Katsuli is sweet but strong in the title role and Theodora Baka is especially effective and affecting as Alceste. The period instrument Orchestra of Patras is stylish, colorful, and lively, particularly the winds and brass playing in the finale. As captured in Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm characteristically crisp, deep, and detailed sound, this Arianna is well worth hearing by anyone who reveres the operas of the German-English composer.