Dive into the world of Baroque master George Frideric Handel with this exquisite collection of his most beloved arias, duets, and orchestral pieces. "Great Handel" showcases the composer's unparalleled genius, featuring iconic works from his vast repertoire of operas, oratorios, and cantatas. From the soaring vocals of "Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted" from Messiah to the tender aria "Ombra mai fù" from Serse, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring musical legacy.
Recorded in 2007 by Warner Classics, this compilation brings together a stellar cast of performers, including Ian Bostridge, Kate Royal, and Harry Bicket, under the skilled direction of conductor Nicholas McGegan. The album spans a variety of genres within the classical realm, including opera, choral, and orchestral works, offering a comprehensive exploration of Handel's artistic prowess.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Great Handel" is perfect for both casual listeners and seasoned enthusiasts of Baroque music. Whether you're familiar with Handel's works or discovering them for the first time, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable experience. The performances are brought to life by the FestspielOrchester Gottingen, ensuring a high-quality and authentic rendition of Handel's timeless compositions.
Handel: Semele, HWV 58, Act 2: Air. "Where'er your walk, cool gales shall fan the glade" (Jupiter)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1, Scene 1: Aria. "Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted"George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1, Scene 1: Accompagnato. "Frondi tenere" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1, Scene 1: Arioso. "Ombra mai fù" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: La Resurrezione, HWV 47, Pt. 1: Aria. "Così la tortorella" (San Giovanni)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Acis and Galatea, HWV 49, Act 2: Air. "Love sounds th'alarm" (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Acis and Galatea, HWV 49, Act 1: Air. "Love in her eyes sits playing" (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Acis and Galatea, HWV 49, Act 1: Duett. "Happy we!" (Acis, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Kate Royal, Harry Bicket, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Handel: Ariodante, HWV 33, Act 2: Aria. "Scherza infida!" (Ariodante)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Ariodante, HWV 33, Act 3: Aria. "Dopo notte, atra e funesta" (Ariodante)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Samson, HWV 57, Act 1, Scene 2: Aria. "Total eclipse!" (Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Duet. "As steals the morn upon the night"George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Kate Royal, Harry Bicket, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Handel: Jephtha, HWV 70, Act 3: Air. "Hide thou thy hated beams" (Jephtha)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Jephtha, HWV 70, Act 3: Accompagnato. "A father, offering up" (Jephtha)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket
Handel: Jephtha, HWV 70, Act 3: Air. "Waft her, angels" (Jephtha)George Frideric Handel, Ian Bostridge, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Harry Bicket