Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's masterpieces with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. This exquisite collection, conducted by the legendary Sir Neville Marriner, offers a comprehensive journey through some of Handel's most beloved works. From the iconic "Water Music" suites to the triumphant choruses of "Messiah," this album showcases the unparalleled artistry and virtuosity of both the composer and the orchestra.
The album features a rich tapestry of compositions, including the graceful "Sarabande" from the Keyboard Suite No. 4, the lively "Alla Hornpipe" from the "Water Music," and the resplendent "Hallelujah" chorus from "Messiah." Each piece is performed with precision and passion, bringing Handel's genius to life in a way that is both historically faithful and deeply engaging.
Recorded with meticulous attention to detail, this album benefits from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields' renowned expertise and Sir Neville Marriner's distinguished conducting. The result is a sonic experience that captures the essence of Handel's music, making it a treasure for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Handel's orchestral works or the poignant beauty of his choral pieces, this album is a testament to the enduring power of his compositions.
Handel / Orch. Hale: Keyboard Suite No. 4 in D Minor, HWV 437: III. SarabandeGeorge Frideric Handel, Alexander Briger, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: I. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: II. Alla HornpipeGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: III. MenuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: IV. LentementGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: V. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir David Willcocks, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1, Scene 3: Aria. "The People That Walked in Darkness"George Frideric Handel, Sir David Willcocks, Benjamin Luxon, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1, Scene 3: Chorus. "For Unto Us a Child Is Born"George Frideric Handel, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2, Scene 7: Chorus. "Hallelujah"George Frideric Handel, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3, Scene 4: Chorus. "Worthy Is the Lamb"George Frideric Handel, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Trumpet Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, HWV 287: I. Grave (Transcr. of Oboe Concerto)George Frideric Handel, Maurice André, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Trumpet Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, HWV 287: II. Allegro (Transcr. of Oboe Concerto)George Frideric Handel, Maurice André, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Trumpet Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, HWV 287: III. Sarabande. Largo (Transcr. of Oboe Concerto)George Frideric Handel, Maurice André, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Trumpet Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, HWV 287: IV. Allegro (Transcr. of Oboe Concerto)George Frideric Handel, Maurice André, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Solomon, HWV 67, Act 3: Sinfonia "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"George Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: II. Adagio e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: IV. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: V. Allegro da capoGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: VI. MinuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: VII. AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: VIII. MinuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: IX. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: X. HornpipeGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: XI. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: Air. "Come, Blooming Boy" (Pleasure)George Frideric Handel, Philip Ledger, Heather Harper, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: Solo and Chorus. "So Shalt Thou Gain Immortal Praise" (Virtue, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Philip Ledger, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Helen Watts
Handel: The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: Air. "Yet Can I Hear That Dulcet Lay" (Hercules)George Frideric Handel, Philip Ledger, James Bowman, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: Chorus. "Arise, Arise" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Handel: The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: Air. "Lead, Goddess, Lead the Way" (Hercules)George Frideric Handel, Philip Ledger, James Bowman, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
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.