Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of George Frideric Handel with the captivating album "Handel: Alexander's Feast." Released on February 28, 2011, by Delphian Records, this classical masterpiece is a choral and operatic tour de force that showcases Handel's unparalleled compositional prowess.
"Alexander's Feast" is an ode to St. Cecilia, composed by Handel in 1736, with lyrics penned by John Dryden in 1697. This album brings to life the enchanting tale of Alexander the Great's grand feast, where the power of music takes center stage. The narrative unfolds through a series of recitatives, arias, and choruses, each piece more captivating than the last. From the triumphant "Happy, happy, happy pair!" to the solemn "He sung Darius, great and good," every track is a testament to Handel's ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music.
The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Handel's artistic vision. It includes iconic pieces such as "Bacchus, ever fair and young," "War, he sung, is toil and trouble," and the grand finale, "At last divine Cecilia came." Each track is meticulously performed, bringing out the rich textures and intricate harmonies that define Handel's work.
"Handel: Alexander's Feast" is not just an album; it's a journey through the Baroque era, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of classical music's most celebrated composers. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of classical music or a newcomer eager to explore its depths, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience. Dive into the world of Handel and let the enchanting melodies and powerful narratives of "Alexander's Feast" transport you to a time of grandeur and musical brilliance.
(C) 2011 Delphian Records(P) 2011 Delphian Records
Tracks
Alexander's Feast: Part One, OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "'Twas at the royal feast" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Happy, happy, happy pair!" (Air & Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Timortheus, plac'd on high" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The song began from Jove" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The list'ning crowd admire the lofty sound" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "With ravish'd ears the monarch hears" (Air)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The praise of Bacchus" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Bacchus, ever fair and young" (Air & Chorus)George Frideric Handel, William Berger, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "He chose a mournful Muse" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "He sung Darius, great and good" (Air)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "With downcast looks the joyless victor sate" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Behold Darius great and good" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The mighty master smil'd to see" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "Softly sweet in Lydian measures" (Arioso)George Frideric Handel, Chris Suckling, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "War, he sung, is toil and trouble" (Air)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The many rend the skies with loud applause" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part One, "The prince, unable to conceal his pain" (Air & Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Now strike the golden Lyre again" (Recitative & Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Revenge, Timotheus cries" (Air)George Frideric Handel, William Berger, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Give the vengeance due" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "The princes applaud with a furious joy" (Air)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Thais led the way" (Air and Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Sophie Bevan, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Thus, long ago" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "At last divine Cecilia came" (Grand Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Let old Timotheus yield the prize" (Recitative)George Frideric Handel, Ed Lyon, William Berger, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Let old Timotheus yield the prize" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle
Alexander's Feast: Part Two, "Your voices tune, and raise them high" (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ludus Baroque, Richard Neville-Towle