Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Acis and Galatea," a pastoral masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries. Released in 2018 by Chandos, this album is a stunning rendition of Handel's first dramatic work in English, a simple yet profoundly emotional story that blends tragedy, love, and liberation.
Comprising 29 tracks, the album spans a duration of 1 hour and 26 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of choral and operatic brilliance. The story unfolds through the voices of the mortal Acis, the goddess Galatea, and the cyclops Polyphemus, each bringing their unique perspectives to this timeless tale. The album features a mix of sinfonias, choruses, recitatives, airs, and duets, showcasing Handel's unparalleled ability to convey a range of emotions through music.
From the lively and lyrical solos to the inventive and captivating ensembles, "Acis and Galatea" is a work that exudes charm and substance. The album is a testament to Handel's genius, offering a blend of pastoral simplicity and dramatic intensity that has made this work a staple of the classical repertoire.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of opera, this album is a must-listen. It's a journey through the pastoral landscapes of Handel's imagination, where the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotion come together in a harmonious whole. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of "Acis and Galatea" transport you to a world of timeless beauty and enduring love.
2018 Chandos Records2018 Chandos Records
Tracks
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a: Sinfonia. PrestoGeorge Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Chorus. Oh, the Pleasure of the Plains! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Benjamin Hulett, Neal Davies, Jeremy Budd, Rowan Pierce
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Recitative. Ye Verdant Plains and Woody Mountains (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Air. Hush, Ye Pretty Warbling Choir! (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Air. Where Shall I Seek the Charming Fair? (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Recitative. Stay, Shepherd, Stay! (Damon)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Benjamin Hulett
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Air. Shepherd, What Art Thou Pursuing? (Damon)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Benjamin Hulett
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Recitative. Lo, Here My Love, Turn, Galatea, Hither Turn Thy Eye! (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Air. Love in Her Eyes Sits Playing (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Recitative. Oh, Didst Thou Know the Pains of Absent Love (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Air. As When the Dove (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Duet. Happy We! (Acis and Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Chorus. Wretched Lovers! Fate Has Past (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Benjamin Hulett, Neal Davies, Jeremy Budd, Rowan Pierce
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. I Rage - I Melt - I Burn! (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Neal Davies
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. O Ruddier Than the Cherry (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Neal Davies
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. Whither, Fairest, Art Thou Running (Polyphemus, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Neal Davies, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. Cease to Beauty to Be Suing (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Neal Davies
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. Would You Gain the Tender Creature (Coridon)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. His Hideous Love Provokes My Rage (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. Love Sounds Th' Alarm (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. Consider, Fond Shepherd (Damon)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Benjamin Hulett
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. Cease, Oh Cease, Thou Gentle Youth (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Trio. The Flocks Shall Leave the Mountains (Acis and Galatea, Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Neal Davies
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. Help, Galatea! Help, Ye Parent Gods! (Acis)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Allan Clayton
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Chorus. Mourn, All Ye Muses! Weep, All Ye Swains! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Benjamin Hulett, Neal Davies, Jeremy Budd, Rowan Pierce
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Solo and Chorus. Must I My Acis Still Bemoan (Galatea, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Benjamin Hulett, Neal Davies, Jeremy Budd, Rowan Pierce
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Recitative. Tis Done! Thus I Exert My Pow'r Divine (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Air. Heart, the Sea of Soft Delight (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Chorus. Galatea, Dry Thy Tears (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company, Lucy Crowe, Allan Clayton, Benjamin Hulett, Neal Davies, Jeremy Budd, Rowan Pierce