Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Baroque choral music with George Frideric Handel's "Great Choruses." This exquisite collection, released in 2009 on the BIS label, brings together some of Handel's most powerful and inspiring choral works, spanning his operatic and oratorio masterpieces. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring genius and his unparalleled ability to blend intricate vocal lines with dramatic orchestration.
The album features renowned performers, including The Bach Choir, The English Concert, and conductor David Hill, who bring their exceptional talents to this remarkable repertoire. From the triumphant "Zadok the Priest" to the exhilarating "Hallelujah" chorus from "Messiah," each track showcases Handel's mastery of choral writing and his profound understanding of the human voice.
"Great Choruses" offers a diverse program of Handel's sacred and secular works, including excerpts from his oratorios "Samson," "Belshazzar," "Athalia," "Hercules," "Joshua," "Judas Maccabaeus," "Solomon," and "Theodora." The album also features selections from his coronation anthems and the choral masterpiece "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato."
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Handel's music or a newcomer to the world of Baroque choral music, "Great Choruses" is an essential addition to your collection. This album showcases the best of Handel's choral writing, performed by some of the most talented musicians in the classical music world. Prepare to be captivated by the soaring melodies, powerful harmonies, and dramatic storytelling that have made Handel one of the most beloved composers in history.
2009 BIS2009 BIS
Tracks
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II: The people shall hearGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Alexander's Feast, HWV 75, Pt. 1: The many rend the skiesGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. I: Or let the merry bells ring roundGeorge Frideric Handel, Carolyn Sampson, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Zadok the Priest, HWV 258George Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Samson, HWV 57, Act II: Hear, Jacob's God, JehovahGeorge Frideric Handel, Carolyn Sampson, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Samson, HWV 57, Act III: Air. Let the bright Seraphim in burning rowGeorge Frideric Handel, Carolyn Sampson, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Samson, HWV 57, Act III: Let their celestial concerts all uniteGeorge Frideric Handel, Carolyn Sampson, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Belshazzar, HWV 61, Act I: Recall, O King, thy rash commandGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Athalia, HWV 52, Act II: The mighty pow'rGeorge Frideric Handel, Robin Blaze, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Hercules, HWV 60, Act II: Jealousy! Infernal pestGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Joshua, HWV 64: See the conquering hero comesGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63, Pt. II: Fall'n Is the FoeGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Solomon, HWV 67, Pt. I: May no rash intruderGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Theodora, HWV 68, Act II: He saw the lovely youthGeorge Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. II: Hallelujah!George Frideric Handel, The Bach Choir, English Concert, David Hill