Dive into the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's masterful compositions with Kenneth McKellar Sings Handel, a captivating collection released on January 1, 2012, by Decca Music Group Ltd. This album showcases the unparalleled vocal prowess of Kenneth McKellar, accompanied by the esteemed Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, under the baton of the renowned Sir Adrian Boult.
Spanning a rich tapestry of Handel's most beloved works, this choral and operatic gem features iconic pieces from Serse, Acis and Galatea, Tolomeo, Jephtha, Semele, Judas Maccabaeus, and the ever-famous Messiah. Each track is a testament to Handel's genius, with McKellar's velvety tenor bringing depth and warmth to every note.
From the soothing "Frondi tenere" to the triumphant "Thanks To My Brethren," and the stirring "Comfort ye, My People," this album is a journey through Handel's most celebrated arias and choruses. The inclusion of both well-known and lesser-heard pieces ensures a fresh and engaging experience for both seasoned Handel enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
With a duration of one hour and four minutes, Kenneth McKellar Sings Handel is a treasure trove of classical beauty, expertly performed and recorded to the highest standards. Whether you're a fan of Handel's operatic works or his choral masterpieces, this album offers a comprehensive and delightful exploration of his enduring legacy.
Serse, HWV 40 / Act 1: "Frondi tenere...Ombra mai fu"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49 / Act 1: "Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Tolomeo, HWV 25 - English text: Silent Worship ("Did'st Thou Not See My Lady?")George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Jephtha, HWV 70 / Act 2: "Deeper, and Deeper Still"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Semele HWV 58 / Act 2: "Where'er You Walk"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63 / Part 2: "Thanks To My Brethren...How Vain Is Man"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63 / Part 2: "My Arms! Against This Gorgias...Sound an Alarm"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: "Comfort ye, My People...Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 2: 25. Accompagnato: All They That See Him - 26. Chorus: He Trusted In God"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Part 2: "Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart...Behold and See"George Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 2: 29. Accompagnato: He Was Cut Off - 30. Air: But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul In HellGeorge Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 2: 32. Recitative: Unto which of the angels - 33. Chorus: Let all the angelsGeorge Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 2: 40. Recitative: He that dwelleth in heaven - 41. Air: Thou shalt break themGeorge Frideric Handel, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 3: 47. Recitative: Then shall be brought to pass - 48. Duet: O death where is thy sting - 49. Chorus: But thanks be to GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Grace Bumbry, Kenneth McKellar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult