The music of Purcell and Handel seems quintessentially English, and surely reflected the confidence of the ruling and merchant classes in London at the very end of the 17th century.

That confidence was certainly reflected by the BREMF Singers and Players who were flawless if not stunning in Purcell's Ode To St Cecilia. John Hancorn, the director, pulled together a sprightly and authoritative performance with great momentum, perfectly suited to this music.

If the solo singers made Purcell's often florid lines seem effortless, the BREMF chorus was surprisingly powerful, whilst remaining light-footed, clear and crisp.

Opening the second half, the BREMF Players gave an equally perfect, infectiously jaunty performance of the Suite From Abdelazar (from which the Rondeau is well known).

After the sinuous impishness of Purcell, Handel was inevitably going to sound a little more ponderous, though perhaps some would say more melodious.

In Eternal Source Of Light Divine and the Utrecht Te Deum the difference in style of the two composers was noticeable, but both pieces were nevertheless delivered with the same panache and lightness of touch.

This was an uplifting finale to the 2014 edition of the increasingly successful Brighton Early Music Festival.