Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's masterful compositions with this captivating album, released in 1995 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection is a harmonious blend of classical, choral, and operatic genres, showcasing Handel's unparalleled musical prowess.
The album opens with the grand "Dixit Dominus, HWV 232," a majestic choral work that sets the stage for a journey through Handel's most celebrated pieces. The tracklist includes eight movements from this composition, each one a testament to Handel's ability to evoke profound emotions and spiritual depth.
Following this, the album presents the enchanting "Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, 'Cuckoo and the Nightingale' HWV 295." This concerto is a delightful exploration of Handel's instrumental genius, featuring five movements that range from the serene "Larghetto" to the lively "Allegro." The inclusion of an "Organo ad libitum: Aria & Passpied" by Telemann adds an intriguing layer to this concerto, offering a unique blend of styles.
The album concludes with "Laudate pueri Dominum," a choral work that is notable for being Handel's earliest surviving autograph. This composition, consisting of eight movements, is a beautiful example of Handel's ability to create music that is both technically impressive and deeply moving.
Throughout the album, the performances are brought to life by a talented ensemble of musicians and singers, including notable contributors such as Lillian Watson and Jonathan Peter Kenny. Their interpretations breathe new life into these timeless pieces, making this album a true celebration of Handel's enduring legacy.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Handel, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It is a testament to the enduring power of Handel's music and a reminder of why he remains one of the most beloved composers of all time.
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 1. Dixit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Michael Chance, William Kendall, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 2. Virgam virtutis tuaeGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 3. Tecum principium in die virtutisGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 4. Juravit DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 5. Tu es sacerdos in aeternumGeorge Frideric Handel, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 6. Dominus a dextris tuisGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Ann Mackay, Henry Herford, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 7. De torrente in via bibetGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Ann Mackay, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: 8. Gloria Patri, et FilioGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Ann Mackay, William Kendall, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, "Cuckoo and the Nightingale" HWV 295: 1. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, Joshua Rifkin
Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, "Cuckoo and the Nightingale" HWV 295: 2. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, Joshua Rifkin
Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, "Cuckoo and the Nightingale" HWV 295: 3. Organo ad libitum: Aria & Passpied (Telemann)George Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford
Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": 4. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, Joshua Rifkin
Organ Concerto No. 13 in F Major, "Cuckoo and the Nightingale" HWV 295: 5. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, Joshua Rifkin
Laudate pueri Dominum: 1. Laudate pueriGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 2. Sit nomen DominiGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 3. A solis ortuGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 4. Excelsus super omnesGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 5. Quis sicut DominusGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 6. Suscitans a terraGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 7. Qui habitare facitGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury
Laudate pueri Dominum: 8. Gloria PatriGeorge Frideric Handel, Isobel Buchanan, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, English Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Cleobury