Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of George Frideric Handel with his masterful composition, "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55." Released on October 10, 2000, under the Parlophone UK label, this album is a captivating journey through the realms of classical, choral, and operatic music. Spanning a generous 1 hour and 58 minutes, this work is a testament to Handel's enduring genius and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
The album is a three-part oratorio that sets to music verses from the poems "Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" by John Milton, along with some original text by Charles Jennens. It explores the contrasting states of mind represented by the two brothers in Milton's poems: Allegro (the cheerful one) and Penseroso (the thoughtful one), culminating in the balanced state of Moderato. Each track is a beautifully crafted piece, showcasing Handel's mastery of melody, harmony, and dramatic expression.
From the opening "Accompagnato" to the final chorus, the album is a symphony of vocal and instrumental brilliance. The choral pieces are particularly noteworthy, with their rich harmonies and powerful delivery. Solo arias and duets add depth and variety, highlighting the versatility of Handel's compositional style.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55" is not just an album; it is a celebration of the human spirit, capturing the essence of joy, contemplation, and balance. Dive into this timeless work and let the music of Handel transport you to a world of beauty and inspiration.
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Accompagnato. "Hence loathed Melancholy"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Duet. "Hence vain deluding joys"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, David Daniels, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Come, come, thou goddess"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Come, rather, goddess"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air and Chorus. "Haste thee, nymph"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air and Chorus. "Come, and trip it"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Accompagnato. "Come, pensive nun"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Come, but keep thy wonted state"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Accompagnato, Air and Chorus. "There held in holy passion" - "Join with thee calm peace"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Recitative and Air. "Hence, loathed Melancholy" - "Mirth admit me of thy crew"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Recitative. "First, and chief, on golden wing"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Sweet bird"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Recitative and Air. "If I give thee honour due"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Oft on a plat of rising ground"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Far from all resort of mirth"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Recitative and Air. "If I give thee honour due" [Reprise]George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Straight mine eye"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Recitative. "Mountains"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air and Chorus. "Or Let the Merry Bells" - "And Young and Old Come"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Accompagnato. "Hence, vain deluding joys"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. " Sometimes let gorgeous Tragedy"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "But Oh !"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Recitative and Chorus. "Thus, night oft see me" - "Populous cities please me"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "There let hymen oft appear"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Accompagnato. "Me, when the sun begins to fling"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "Hide me from day's garish eye"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "I'll to the well-trod stage anon"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "And ever against eating cares"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "Orpheus' self may heave his head"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air and Chorus. "These Delights if Thou Canst Give"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Recitative and Chorus. "But let my due feet never fail" - "There let the pealing organ blow"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Christine Brandes
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Air. "May at last my weary age"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Solo and Chorus. "These pleasures, Melancholy, give"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Accompagnato. "Hence, boast not"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Air. "Come with native lustre shine"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 2: Accompagnato and Chorus. "Sweet Temp'rance in thy right hand bear"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alastair Miles, The Bach Choir, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Air. "Come, with gentle hand restrain"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Christine Brandes, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Recitative and Air. "No more short life they then will spend" - "Each action will derive new grace"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Duet. "As Steals the Morn Upon the Night"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Ian Bostridge, Lynne Dawson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 3: Chorus. "Thy pleasures, Moderation, give"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The Bach Choir, Orchestre de chambre de Paris
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