Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of George Frideric Handel with his masterful oratorio "Saul, HWV 53." Released on December 1, 2008, by Carus, this album is a monumental work that showcases Handel's unparalleled ability to blend choral and operatic elements into a cohesive and powerful narrative. Spanning over an hour and twenty-nine minutes, this recording is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy in the classical music world.
"Saul, HWV 53" is a dramatic oratorio that tells the biblical story of King Saul and his complex relationship with the young David. The libretto, penned by Charles Jennens, is brought to life through Handel's evocative and emotionally charged music. The album features a rich tapestry of choruses, arias, and recitatives that highlight the intricacies of the characters and the depth of their struggles.
The recording features a stellar cast of vocalists and musicians, each bringing their unique talents to this iconic work. The choral sections are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the precision and passion of the ensemble. The orchestral arrangements are equally impressive, with Handel's mastery of Baroque composition shining through in every note.
This album is not just a collection of tracks but a complete musical experience. From the opening symphony to the final chorus, "Saul, HWV 53" is a journey through the highs and lows of human emotion, set against the backdrop of a biblical epic. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Handel's work or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.
Dive into the world of Handel and let the powerful storytelling and exquisite music of "Saul, HWV 53" captivate your senses. It's a true gem in the realm of classical music, showcasing the genius of one of history's greatest composers.
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 8. Recitative. "Behold, O King, the brave victorious Youth"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead, Yorck Felix Speer
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 9. Air. "O King, your Favours with Delight I take"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 10. Recitative. "O early Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 11. Air. "What abject Thoughts a Prince can have"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 12. Recitative. "Yet think, on whom this Honour you bestow"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 13. Aria. "Birth and Fortune I despise!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 14. Recitative. "Go on, illustrious Pair!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Eric Stokloßa, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 15. Air. "Why yet thy Tide of Blood runs high"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 16. Recitative. "Thou, Merab, first in Birth"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 17. Air. "My Soul rejects the Thought with Scorn"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 18. Air. "See, see, with what a scornful Air"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 28. Air. "Fell Rage and black Despair possessed"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 29. Recitative. "This but the smallest Part of Harmony"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 34. Recitative. "'Tis all in vain"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 35. Air. "A Serpent in my Bosom warm'd"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 36. Recitative. "Has he escap'd my Rage?"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 37. Air. "Capricious Man"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 38. Accompagnato. "O Filial Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 39. Air. "No, no cruel Father, no"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 40. Air. "O Lord, whose Providence Ever wakes for their Defence"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 41. Chorus. "Preserve him for the Glory of thy Name"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Dresdner Kammerchor, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 44. Air. "But sooner Jordan's Stream, I swear"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 45. Recitative. "O strange Vicissitude!"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 46. Air. "Such haughty Beauties"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 47. Recitative. "My Father comes"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 48. Recitative. "Hast thou obey'd my Orders"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 49. Air. "Sin not, o King, against the Youth"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 50. Air. "As great Jehovah lives"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
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.