Dive into the resplendent world of Baroque opera with "The Glories of Handel Opera," a captivating collection of arias from some of George Frideric Handel's most celebrated works. Released in 2000 by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album spans a rich tapestry of Handel's operatic genius, featuring iconic pieces from his vast repertoire.
Spanning 17 tracks and just over an hour and a half, this album showcases the brilliance of Handel's compositions, performed by some of the most renowned voices in classical music. From the ethereal beauty of Emma Kirkby's rendition of "Tornami a vagheggiar" from "Alcina" to the powerful vocals of Joan Sutherland in "Piangerò la sorte mia" from "Giulio Cesare," each track is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including legendary sopranos Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, and Marilyn Horne, as well as tenor Luciano Pavarotti and countertenor James Bowman. Accompanied by esteemed conductors and orchestras, such as Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, the performances are both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
"The Glories of Handel Opera" offers a comprehensive journey through Handel's operatic masterpieces, including excerpts from "Orlando," "Rinaldo," "Serse," "Rodelinda," and many others. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the timeless allure of Handel's music. The diverse selection of arias highlights the composer's versatility and innovation, making this album an essential addition to any classical music collection.
Alcina, HWV 34 / Act 1: "Tornami a vagheggiar"George Frideric Handel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Orlando, HWV 31 / Act 2: Ah Stigie larve!George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Orlando, HWV 31 / Act 2: Già latra CerberoGeorge Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Orlando, HWV 31 / Act 2: Vaghe pupille, non piangete, noGeorge Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Riccardo Primo, Rè d'Inghilterra / Act 3: "Atterrato il muro cada"George Frideric Handel, Sara Mingardo, Timothy Hutchins, Janet Creaser Hutchins, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atalanta, HWV 35, Act I: Care selveGeorge Frideric Handel, Luciano Pavarotti, Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Richard Bonynge
Semele HWV 58 / Act 2: "Hence, Iris, hence away"George Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London, Richard Bonynge
Rodelinda, HWV 19 - Ed. Bonynge / Act 2: "Io t'abbraccioGeorge Frideric Handel, Dame Joan Sutherland, Alicia Nafé, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Ezio (or Aetius), HWV 29: "Se un bell'ardire"George Frideric Handel, Forbes Robinson, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Philip Ledger
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17 / Act 3: "Piangerò la sorte mia"George Frideric Handel, Teresa Berganza, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Alexander Gibson
Alcina, HWV 34, Act II: Entrée de songes funestes - Le combatGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Rinaldo, HWV 7a / Act 2: "Lascia ch'io pianga"George Frideric Handel, Bernadette Greevy, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Raymond Leppard
Alcina / Act 3: Sta nell'Ircana pietrosa tanaGeorge Frideric Handel, Teresa Berganza, London Symphony Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Serse, HWV 40 / Act 1: "Frondi tenere e belle...Ombra mai fù"George Frideric Handel, Renata Tebaldi, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Berenice: Si, tra i ceppiGeorge Frideric Handel, Geraint Evans, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Bryan Balkwill
Rodelinda, HWV 34 / Act 1: "Dove sei, amato bene?"George Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Vienna Cantata Orchestra, Henry Lewis
Giulio Cesare / Act 3: Da tempeste il legno infrantoGeorge Frideric Handel, Dame Joan Sutherland, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London, Richard Bonynge