Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of George Frideric Handel with the album "Handel: Heroic Arias," a captivating collection of 12 operatic arias that showcase the composer's unparalleled mastery of the genre. Released in 1991 under the Hyperion label, this album spans a rich 77 minutes, offering a profound exploration of Handel's most heroic and dramatic compositions.
Featuring renowned performers James Bowman, The King's Consort, and conducted by Robert King, the album brings to life arias from some of Handel's most celebrated operas, including "Amadigi di Gaula," "Giulio Cesare," "Rinaldo," "Ariodante," and "Serse." Each track is a testament to Handel's ability to convey deep emotion and narrative power through his music, with standout pieces such as "Pena tiranna" from "Amadigi di Gaula" and "Scherza infida!" from "Ariodante."
The album is a blend of classical elegance and operatic grandeur, highlighting the rich choral and vocal traditions of the Baroque era. From the stirring overtures to the intricate arias, every note is a celebration of Handel's enduring legacy. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of opera, "Handel: Heroic Arias" offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic works of one of history's greatest composers.
Amadigi di Gaula, HWV 11, Act II: Aria. Pena tiranna (Dardano)George Frideric Handel, Paul Goodwin, James Bowman, Jeremy Ward, Robert King, The King's Consort
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act I: Aria. Va tacito e nascosto (Cesare)George Frideric Handel, The King's Consort, James Bowman, Andrew Clark, Robert King
Rinaldo, HWV 7a, Act I: Aria. Venti turbini (Rinaldo)George Frideric Handel, Robert King, Catherine Mackintosh, James Bowman, Jeremy Ward, The King's Consort
Ariodante, HWV 33, Act II: Aria. Scherza infida! (Ariodante)George Frideric Handel, Jeremy Ward, The King's Consort, James Bowman, Robert King
Serse, HWV 40: Overture. Grave – AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, The King's Consort, Robert King
Giustino, HWV 37, Act III: Aria. Zeffiretto, che scorre nel prato (Giustino)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, The King's Consort, Robert King
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act II: Aria. Al lampo dell'armi (Cesare)George Frideric Handel, The King's Consort, James Bowman, Robert King
Ottone, HWV 15, Act III: No. 5, Aria. Tanti affanni (Ottone)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Rinaldo, HWV 7a, Act III: Aria. Or la tromba – Battaglia (Rinaldo)George Frideric Handel, The King's Consort, James Bowman, Robert King
Rinaldo, HWV 7a, Act I: Aria. Cara sposa (Rinaldo)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Giustino, HWV 37, Act I: Aria. Se parla nel mio cor (Giustino)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Alcina, HWV 34, Act II: Aria. Verdi prati (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort