Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of George Frideric Handel with this exquisite collection of choral and operatic masterpieces. Released in 1999 under the prestigious Archiv Produktion label, this album showcases some of Handel's most revered compositions, performed with unparalleled virtuosity and passion.
The album opens with "Saeviat tellus inter rigores," a powerful and dramatic work that sets the stage for the spiritual and musical journey that follows. The piece is a testament to Handel's ability to convey deep emotion and religious fervor through his music. The album continues with "Laudate pueri Dominum," a joyous and uplifting anthem that celebrates the glory of God, featuring stunning arias and choral harmonies.
"Salve Regina" offers a more contemplative and introspective mood, with its hauntingly beautiful melodies and profound lyrics. This piece is a highlight of the album, showcasing the incredible range and depth of Handel's compositional genius. The album concludes with "Dixit Dominus," a grand and majestic setting of Psalm 109 that demonstrates Handel's mastery of the Baroque style.
Throughout the album, the performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with Annick Massis delivering a particularly stunning vocal performance. The precise and expressive playing of the accompanying ensemble adds depth and richness to each piece, bringing Handel's music to life in a way that is both authentic and deeply moving.
With a duration of just over an hour and eighteen minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Handel's sacred choral works, as well as a treasure trove of delights for seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Handel's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: I. Saeviat tellus inter rigoresGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: II. Recit. Carmelitarum ut confirmet ordinemGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: III. O nox dulcis, quies serenaGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: IV. Stellae fidae vobis sit curaGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: V. Recit. Sub tantae Virginis tutelaGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Saeviat tellus inter rigores, HWV 240: VI. AlleluiaGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: I. Aria & Chorus. Laudate pueri DominumGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: II. Aria. Sit nomen DominiGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: III. Solo & Chorus. A solis ortu usque ad occasumGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: IV. Aria. Excelsus super omnes gentes DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: V. Chorus. Quis sicut DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: VI. Aria. Suscitans a terra inopemGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: VII. Aria. Qui habitare facitGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237: VIII. Solo & Chorus. Gloria PatriGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Yann Miriel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Salve Regina, HWV 241: I. Salve ReginaGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Mirella Giardelli, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Salve Regina, HWV 241: II. Ad te clamamusGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Mirella Giardelli, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Salve Regina, HWV 241: III. Eia ergo, advocata nostroGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Mirella Giardelli, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Salve Regina, HWV 241: IV. O clemens, o piaGeorge Frideric Handel, Magdalena Kožená, Mirella Giardelli, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 1. Dixit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 2. Virgam virtutis tuaeGeorge Frideric Handel, Sara Fulgoni, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 3. Tecum principium in die virtutisGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 4. Juravit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 5. Tu es sacerdos in aeternumGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 6. Dominus a dextris tuisGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Magdalena Kožená, Patrick Henckens, Kevin McLean-Mair, Marcos Pujol, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 7. De torrente in via bibetGeorge Frideric Handel, Annick Massis, Magdalena Kožená, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Sébastian Rouland
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 8. Gloria Patri, et FilioGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.
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George Frideric Handel
