Immerse yourself in the timeless mastery of George Frideric Handel with his powerful oratorio "Saul, HWV 53." Released on December 1, 2008, under the Carus label, this album is a stunning representation of Handel's genius, blending the grandeur of classical music with the dramatic intensity of opera and the spiritual depth of choral works. Spanning nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through Handel's intricate compositions, showcasing his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and narratives through music.
"Saul, HWV 53" is a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental brilliance, featuring a diverse array of choral pieces, arias, and recitatives. The album opens with the majestic "Symphony" and quickly delves into the dramatic storytelling of the oratorio, with highlights such as "How excellent thy Name, O Lord" and "O Godlike Youth!" Each track is a testament to Handel's compositional prowess, with intricate harmonies, powerful melodies, and profound lyrics that bring the biblical story of Saul to life.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including Andreas Scholl and Edin Karamazov, who lend their voices to some of the most moving arias, such as "O Lord, whose mercies numberless." The Dresdner Barockorchester provides a lush and authentic backdrop, with their period-instrument performances adding a layer of historical authenticity to the recording.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Handel's works, "Saul, HWV 53" offers a compelling and enriching listening experience. The album's blend of dramatic intensity, spiritual depth, and musical brilliance makes it a standout addition to any music collection.
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 8. Recitative. "Behold, O King, the brave victorious Youth"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead, Yorck Felix Speer
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 9. Air. "O King, your Favours with Delight I take"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 10. Recitative. "O early Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 11. Air. "What abject Thoughts a Prince can have"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 12. Recitative. "Yet think, on whom this Honour you bestow"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 13. Aria. "Birth and Fortune I despise!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 14. Recitative. "Go on, illustrious Pair!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Eric Stokloßa, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 15. Air. "Why yet thy Tide of Blood runs high"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 16. Recitative. "Thou, Merab, first in Birth"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 17. Air. "My Soul rejects the Thought with Scorn"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 18. Air. "See, see, with what a scornful Air"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 28. Air. "Fell Rage and black Despair possessed"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 29. Recitative. "This but the smallest Part of Harmony"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 34. Recitative. "'Tis all in vain"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 35. Air. "A Serpent in my Bosom warm'd"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 36. Recitative. "Has he escap'd my Rage?"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 37. Air. "Capricious Man"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 38. Accompagnato. "O Filial Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 39. Air. "No, no cruel Father, no"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 40. Air. "O Lord, whose Providence Ever wakes for their Defence"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 41. Chorus. "Preserve him for the Glory of thy Name"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Dresdner Kammerchor, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 44. Air. "But sooner Jordan's Stream, I swear"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 45. Recitative. "O strange Vicissitude!"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 46. Air. "Such haughty Beauties"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 47. Recitative. "My Father comes"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 48. Recitative. "Hast thou obey'd my Orders"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 49. Air. "Sin not, o King, against the Youth"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 50. Air. "As great Jehovah lives"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
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.