Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of George Frideric Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato," a masterful blend of oratorio, ode, and serenata that defies easy categorization. This captivating work, composed by the renowned Baroque master, is based on the poetry of John Milton and adapted by Charles Jennens. First performed in London in 1740, this secular oratorio continues to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of joy, contemplation, and moderation.
The album, released on Harmonia Mundi, features a stellar cast of vocalists and the incomparable Les Arts Florissants, conducted by the esteemed William Christie. With a running time of 1 hour and 42 minutes, this recording offers a comprehensive journey through Handel's intricate and evocative score. The choral and operatic elements come together seamlessly, showcasing Handel's unparalleled ability to transform metaphysical concepts into vivid musical landscapes.
"L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" is a testament to Handel's genius, blending the pastoral beauty of Milton's poetry with the composer's own unique musical language. The album is a treasure trove of arias, choruses, and recitatives that highlight the contrasting moods of the three central figures: the cheerful man (L'Allegro), the thoughtful man (Il Penseroso), and the moderate man (Il Moderato). Each section is meticulously crafted, offering a rich tapestry of musical expression that will delight both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
This recording is a testament to the enduring power of Handel's music, brought to life by some of the most talented musicians of our time. Whether you are a fan of choral works, opera, or simply appreciate the beauty of Baroque music, this album is sure to become a cherished addition to your collection. Experience the timeless elegance and profound depth of Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" and let the music transport you to a world of unparalleled beauty and inspiration.
2023 harmonia mundi2022 harmonia mundi
Tracks
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Accompagnato. Hence loathed Melancoly (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Accompagnato. Hence vain deluding joys (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Come, thou Goddess, fair and free (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Leo Jemison, Trinity Boys Choir, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Come rather, goddess sage and holy (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air and Chorus. Haste thee, nymph, and bring with thee (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air and Chorus. Come, and trip it as you go (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Accompagnato. Come, pensive nun, devout and pure (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Arioso. Come, but keep thy wonted state (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Chorus. Join with thee calm peace, and quietGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Recitative. Hence, loathed Melancholy (L'Allegro); Recitative. And if I give thee honour due (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Mirth, admit me of thy crew (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Leo Jemison, Trinity Boys Choir, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Accompagnato. First, and chief, on golden wing (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Sweet bird, that shun'st the noise of folly (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Recitative. If I give thee honour due (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Mirth, admit me of thy crew (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Oft, on a plat of rising ground (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Recitative. If I give thee honour due (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air. Let me wander, not unseen (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part I: Air and Chorus. Or let the merry bells ring round (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Leo Jemison, Trinity Boys Choir, Les Arts Florissants
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Accompagnato. Hence, vain deluding joys (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air. But oh, sad virgin (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Recitative. Thus, night oft see me (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Chorus. Populous cities please me then (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air. There let Hymen oft appear (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Accompagnato. Me, when the sun begins to fling (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air. Hide me from day's garish eye (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air. I'll to the well-trod stage anon (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air. And ever against eating cares (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Leo Jemison, Trinity Boys Choir, Les Arts Florissants
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Air and Chorus. These delights if thou canst give (L'Allegro)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Recitative. But let my due feet never fail (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Chorus. There let the pealing organ blow ; Solo. And let their sweetness, through mine ear (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Fugue Organo ad libitumGeorge Frideric Handel, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Solo and Chorus. These pleasures, Melancholy, give (Il Penseroso)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part II: Accompagnato. Hence, boast not, ye profane (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Air. Come, with native lustre shine (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Accompagnato and Chorus. Sweet temp'rance (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Sreten Manojlović, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Air. Come, with gentle hand restrain (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Recitative. No more short life (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Air. Each Action will derive new Grace (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Duet. As steals the morn upon the night (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Redmond, James Way, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Part III: Chorus. Thy pleasures, Moderation, give (Il Moderato)George Frideric Handel, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Vinylscout
George Frideric Handel
