The dramatic cantata ‘Apollo e Dafne’ shows the early fruits of Handel’s exposure to Italian music of the period. It consists of a series of short orchestral interludes, arias and recitatives for the two mythical characters, which are sung by soprano and bass soloists. Even at this relatively early stage in his career Handel’s mastery at expressing the dramatic moment and the emotions which ensue is fully evident. This cantata is immediately appealing, with its Arcadian atmosphere conjured up by the composer’s simple but elegant orchestration, which nevertheless touches profound emotional depths.