Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German): OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Chorus: Awake the trumpet's lofty sound! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Total eclipse! No sun, no moon! (Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Oh first created beam! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Aria: Thy glorious deeds inspir'd my tongue (Manoah)George Frideric Handel, Kim Borg, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Recitative: My griefs for this (Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Why does the God of lsrael sleep? (Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act I: Act I: Return, O God of hosts (Micah, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Marga Höffgen, Maria Stader, RIAS Kammerchor, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Duet: My faith and truth (Delilah, Maiden and Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Maria Stader, Maria Reith, Ernst Haefliger, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Traitor to love! I’ll sue no more (Dalila, Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Maria Stader, Heinz Rehfuss, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Air: Honour and arms scorn such a foe (Harapha)George Frideric Handel, Heinz Rehfuss, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Recitative: With thee! A man condemn'd (Harapha, Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Heinz Rehfuss, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Duet: Go, baffled coward, go (Samson, Harapha)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Heinz Rehfuss, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Hear, Jacob's God, Jehovah, hear! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Heinz Rehfuss, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act II: Act II: Air: To song and dance we give the dayGeorge Frideric Handel, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Recitative: More trouble is behind (Micah, Samson, Harapha)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Marga Höffgen, Heinz Rehfuss, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Recitative: Reflect then, Samson (Micah, Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Marga Höffgen, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Chorus: With thunder arm'd, great God, arise! (Israelites)George Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, Ernst Haefliger, Heinz Rehfuss, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III Scene 1: Air: Thus when the sun from's wat'ry bed (Samson)George Frideric Handel, Ernst Haefliger, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Recitative: With might endued above the sons of men (Micah)George Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Air: The Holy One of Israel be thy guide (Micah)George Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Chorus: Great Dagon has subdu'd our foe (Israelite, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Maria Reith, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Air: How willing my paternal love (Manoah)George Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, Kim Borg, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, RIAS Kammerchor, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Air: Ye sons of Israel, now lament (Micah)George Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, Kim Borg, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, RIAS Kammerchor, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: A Dead MarchGeorge Frideric Handel, Marga Höffgen, Kim Borg, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Glorious Hero, may thy grave Peace (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Maria Reith, Kim Borg, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Samson, HWV 57 (Sung in German), Act III: Act III: Air: Let the bright seraphim in burning row (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Maria Reith, RIAS Kammerchor, Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Immerse yourself in the powerful and dramatic world of George Frideric Handel's "Samson, HWV 57," a timeless masterpiece in the realm of classical, choral, and opera music. Released on April 7, 2017, by Urania Records, this album captures the essence of Handel's extraordinary composition, originally performed in 1741.
"Samson, HWV 57" is an oratorio that tells the biblical story of Samson, the Israelite hero endowed with supernatural strength. Sung in German, this recording brings together a stellar cast of vocalists and musicians, led by the renowned Dunedin Consort under the direction of John Butt. The album spans a duration of 2 hours and 3 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the three acts of this epic work.
The tracklist includes a rich tapestry of overtures, choruses, arias, recitatives, and duets, each contributing to the narrative and emotional depth of the story. From the stirring "Overture" to the poignant "Air: Let the bright seraphim in burning row," every piece is a testament to Handel's genius and the enduring power of his music.
This album is not just a collection of tracks; it's a vivid portrayal of Samson's journey, filled with moments of triumph, despair, and redemption. The performances are captivating, with each vocalist bringing their unique interpretation to the characters they portray. The choral and orchestral arrangements are meticulously crafted, highlighting the intricate details and grandeur of Handel's composition.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Samson, HWV 57" offers an enriching and engaging listening experience. It's a testament to Handel's enduring legacy and a must-listen for anyone appreciating the beauty and complexity of Baroque music.
2017 Urania Records2017 Urania Records
About George Frideric Handel
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.