Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of George Frideric Handel's early career with "Handel in Italy, Vol. 1," a captivating collection of his Italian-inspired works. Released in 2015 on Signum Records, this album showcases the remarkable talents of the Bevan siblings, Mary Bevan, Sophie Bevan, and Benjamin Bevan, alongside the skilled harpsichordist Bridget Cunningham.
Spanning just under 43 minutes, the album is a delightful blend of choral, opera, and classical genres, featuring a mix of virtuosic and serene pieces. The centerpiece is the six-movement Gloria, HWV deest, a stunning display of Handel's compositional prowess, with Sophie Bevan's soprano taking center stage. The album also includes excerpts from Handel's operas Rodrigo and Agrippina, as well as the harpsichord sonata HWV 579 and the dramatic cantata Cuopre tal volta il cielo, HWV 98.
Each track is performed with precision and passion, bringing Handel's Italian period to life. The Bevan siblings' performances are particularly noteworthy, with their voices complementing each other beautifully and showcasing the full range of Handel's emotional and technical demands. Bridget Cunningham's harpsichord playing is equally impressive, providing a solid foundation for the vocal performances.
"Handel in Italy, Vol. 1" is a testament to Handel's enduring influence and the timeless beauty of his music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Handel or a newcomer to his works, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's Italian-inspired pieces, performed by some of today's most talented musicians.
(C) 2015 Signum Records
Tracks
Gloria, HWV deest: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Gloria, HWV deest: II. Et in terra paxGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Gloria, HWV deest: III. Laudamus teGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Gloria, HWV deest: IV. Domine Deus, Rex coelestisGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Gloria, HWV deest: V. Qui tollis peccata mundiGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Gloria, HWV deest: VI. Quoniam tu solus sanctusGeorge Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Rodrigo, HWV 5: Overture - PassacailleGeorge Frideric Handel, London Early Opera, Bridget Cunningham
Agrippina, HWV 6, Act III Scene 10: Bel PiacereGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Sonata for a Harpsichord with Double Keys in G Major, HWV 579George Frideric Handel, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, Part 1, HWV 46a: Un pensiero nemico di paceGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Cuopre tal volta il cielo, HWV 98: I. Accompagnato "Cuopre tal volta il cielo"George Frideric Handel, Benjamin Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Cuopre tal volta il cielo, HWV 98: II. Aria "Tuona, balena, sibila il vento"George Frideric Handel, Benjamin Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Cuopre tal volta il cielo, HWV 98: III. Recitativo "Cosi fiera procella"George Frideric Handel, Benjamin Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Cuopre tal volta il cielo, HWV 98: IV. Aria "Per pietà"George Frideric Handel, Benjamin Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
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