Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Baroque music with George Frideric Handel's "Baroque Celebration." Released in 1999 by Chandos, this album is a stunning compilation of Handel's most celebrated operatic arias and choral works, spanning a captivating hour and sixteen minutes. From the hauntingly beautiful "Lascia ch'io pianga" from "Rinaldo" to the triumphant "Che faro senza Euridice?" from "Orfeo ed Euridice," this collection showcases Handel's unparalleled mastery of melody and drama.
The album features iconic pieces such as "Ombra mai fu" from "Serse," a serene and reflective aria that has become one of Handel's most beloved compositions. The powerful and poignant "I shall tame your pride unbending" from "Giulio Cesare" demonstrates Handel's ability to convey deep emotion through music, while the lively and energetic "I rage, I rage, I rage, I melt, I burn" from "Acis and Galatea" highlights his skill in creating dynamic and engaging musical narratives.
Performed by some of the most renowned artists in the classical music world, "Baroque Celebration" is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy. The album's meticulous production and authentic performances bring the composer's works to life, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a perfect introduction to the timeless beauty of Handel's music.
2002 Chandos Records2002 Chandos Records
Tracks
King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Fairest isle (Venus)Henry Purcell, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act I: I attempt from love's sickness (Aerial Spirit)Henry Purcell, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act I Scene 1: Grief and woe all hope deny me (Cornelia)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Sarah Walker
Semele, HWV 58, Act II Scene 2: Where'er you walk (Jupiter)George Frideric Handel, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Bruce Ford
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act II Scene 2: Wounded, the serpent ne'er reposes (Sextus)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Della Jones
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: I rage, I rage, I rage, I melt, I burn (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Tomlinson
Rinaldo, Act II: Hear thou my weeping (Lascia ch'io pianga) (Almirena)George Frideric Handel, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Yvonne Kenny
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act III Scene 1: I shall tame your pride unbending (Ptolemy)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, James Bowman
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act III Scene 1: Flow, my tears (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Valerie Masterson
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act I Scene 4: How silently, how slyly (Caesar)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker
Serse, HWV 40, Act I: May the Fates be kind (Ombra mai fu) (Serse)George Frideric Handel, David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Della Jones
Samson, HWV 57: Honour and arms scorn such a foe (Harapha)George Frideric Handel, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, John Tomlinson
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act I Scene 4: Condemned to grieve and cry (Cornelia, Sextus)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Sarah Walker, Della Jones
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act III Scene 2: Stormy winds my ship had shaken (Cleopatra)George Frideric Handel, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Valerie Masterson
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act III: What is life to me without thee (Che faro senza Euridice?) (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, David Parry, Philharmonia Orchestra, Diana Montague
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