Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Aci, Galatea e Polifemo," a captivating operatic serenata that showcases the masterful composition skills of one of history's most celebrated composers. Released in 2003 under the Warner Classics label, this album is a stunning rendition of Handel's HWV 72, a work that blends the genres of classical, choral, and opera into a harmonious whole.
Spanning nearly 100 minutes, this album features a rich tapestry of arias, duets, and recitatives, performed with exquisite precision and passion. The story of Aci, Galatea, and Polifemo is brought to life through the talented vocalists and the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Sir Philip Ledger. The album opens with a majestic overture that sets the stage for the dramatic and emotional journey that follows.
Each track is a testament to Handel's genius, with intricate melodies and powerful lyrics that explore themes of love, jealousy, and transformation. From the tender duets of Aci and Galatea to the menacing arias of Polifemo, the album is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless. The final terzetto, "Chi ben ama ha per oggetti," is a particularly standout piece, showcasing the incredible vocal range and skill of the performers.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Aci, Galatea e Polifemo" is an album that will captivate and inspire. It is a true masterpiece that highlights the enduring legacy of George Frideric Handel and his ability to create music that transcends time and borders.
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: I. (a) Overture. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: I. (b) Overture. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: II. Duetto. "Sorge il dì" (Aci, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: III. Recitativo. "Vanti, o cara, il ruscello" (Aci, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: IV. Aria. "Sforzano a piangere con più dolor" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: V. Recitativo. "E qual nuova sventura" (Aci, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: VI. Aria. "Che non può la gelosia" (Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: VII. Aria. "Ma qual orrido suono" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: VIII. Recitativo. "Ahi! che da l'ombre eterne" (Galatea, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: IX. Aria. "Sibilar l'angui d'Aletto" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: X. Recitativo. "Deh lascia, oh Polifemo" (Galatea, Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XI. Aria. "Benche tuoni e l'etra avampi" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XII. Recitativo. "Cadrai depressa e vinta" (Polifemo, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XIII. Recitativo. "Non sempre, no, crudele" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XIV. Recitativo. "Folle, quanto mi rido" (Galatea, Polifemo, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XV. Aria. "Dell' aquila l'artigli" (Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XVI. Recitativo. "Meglio spiega i tuoi sensi" (Polifemo, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XVII. Aria. "Precipitoso nel mar che freme" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XVIII. Recitativo. "Sì, t'intendo, inumano" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XIX. Aria. "S'agita in mezzo all'onde" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XX. Recitativo. "So che le cinosure" (Polifemo, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXI. Terzetto. "Proverà lo sdegno mio" (Polifemo, Galatea, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXII. Recitativo. "Ingrata, se mi nieghi" (Polifemo, Galatea, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXIII. Aria. "Fra l'ombre e gl'orrori" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXIV. Recitativo. "Ma che? non andrà inulta" (Polifemo, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXV. Aria. "Qui l'augel da pianta in pianta" (Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXVI. Recitativo. "Quinsi al fin mio tesoro" (Galatea, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXVII. Aria. "Se m'ami, oh caro" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXVIII. Recitativo. "Quì su l'alto del monte" (Polifemo, Aci, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXIX. Terzetto. "Dolce amico amplesso" (Aci, Galatea, Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXX. Recitativo. "Or poichè sordi sono" (Polifemo, Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXI. Aria. "Verso già l'alma col sangue" (Aci)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXII. Recitativo. "Misera, e dove sono?" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXIII. Aria. "Impara, ingrata, impara" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXIV. Recitativo. "Ah, tiranno, inumano!" (Galatea, Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXV. Aria. "Del mar fra l'onde" (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXVI. Recitativo. "Ferma! ma già nel mare" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXVII. Accompagnato. "Vissi fedel, mia vita" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXVIII. Recitativo. "Ed io che anto ascolto" (Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri
Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72: XXXIX. Terzetto. "Chi ben ama ha per oggetti" (Aci, Galtea, Polifemo)George Frideric Handel, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d'Astrée, Sandrine Piau, Sara Mingardo, Laurent Naouri