Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's sacred choral works with the album "Handel: Dixit Dominus." Released on January 1, 2007, under the Archiv Produktion label, this collection showcases the grandeur and spiritual depth of Handel's compositions, spanning genres of classical, choral, and opera.
The album opens with the majestic "Dixit Dominus" (HWV 232), a setting of Psalm 109 that exemplifies Handel's mastery of choral writing. The work is divided into eight movements, each showcasing the composer's ability to convey the text's dramatic and devotional aspects. Following this is "Nisi Dominus" (HWV 238), a setting of Psalm 126, which offers a more intimate and reflective counterpart to the grandeur of "Dixit Dominus."
The album concludes with "Salve Regina" (HWV 241), a deeply moving Marian anthem that highlights Handel's ability to express profound devotion and tenderness. Throughout the album, the performances are marked by their clarity, precision, and emotional resonance, with notable contributions from soloists Lynne Dawson, Lynda Russell, Charles Brett, and others.
With a duration of 55 minutes, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that transcends time and place. Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to Handel's works, "Handel: Dixit Dominus" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: I. Dixit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: II. Virgam virtutis tuaeGeorge Frideric Handel, Diana Montague, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: III. Tecum principium in die virtutisGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: IV. Juravit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: V. Tu es sacerdos in aeternumGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: VIa. Dominus a dextris tuisGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: VIb. Judicabit in nationibus – VIc. ConquassabitGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: VII. De torrente in via bibetGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: VIII. Gloria Patri, et FilioGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Lynne Dawson, Diana Montague, Leigh Nixon, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 1. Nisi DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 2. Vanum estGeorge Frideric Handel, John Mark Ainsley, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 3. Cum dederit dilectis suis somnumGeorge Frideric Handel, Diana Montague, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 4. Sicut sagittae in manu potentis (Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Simon Birchall, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 5. Beatus virGeorge Frideric Handel, John Mark Ainsley, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Nisi Dominus, Psalm 126 (127) HWV 238: 6. Gloria PatriGeorge Frideric Handel, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Salve Regina, HWV 241: Salve ReginaGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Salve Regina HWV 241: Ad te clamamusGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Salve Regina HWV 241: Eia ergo, advocata nostroGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Salve Regina HWV 241: O clemens, o piaGeorge Frideric Handel, Arleen Auger, Orchestra of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston