Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of George Frideric Handel's "Semele" with this captivating 1993 recording. This three-act opera, composed in 1743, is a masterful blend of drama, passion, and exquisite vocal performances that showcase Handel's genius. The album, released by Deutsche Grammophon, spans nearly two hours, offering a comprehensive journey through the operatic tale of Semele, a mortal woman loved by the god Jupiter.
The recording features a stellar cast, including renowned sopranos Kathleen Battle and Marilyn Horne, and the powerful bass-baritone Samuel Ramey. Under the skilled direction of conductor John Nelson, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Ambrosian Opera Chorus deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. The album is a testament to Handel's enduring legacy, with its intricate orchestration and soaring arias that highlight the composer's unparalleled ability to convey human emotion through music.
"Semele" is not just an opera; it is a rich tapestry of musical storytelling that weaves together elements of myth, love, and tragedy. From the stirring overture to the dramatic arias and choruses, each track is a testament to Handel's compositional brilliance. The album includes all three acts of the opera, providing a complete and immersive experience for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to Handel's work.
Whether you are a fan of classical music, opera, or simply appreciate beautiful choral and orchestral performances, this recording of "Semele" is a treasure to be savored. The meticulous attention to detail in the performance and the high-quality recording make this album a standout in the genre. Dive into the world of "Semele" and let the timeless music of George Frideric Handel transport you to a realm of pure musical enchantment.
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Behold! Auspicious Flashes AriseGeorge Frideric Handel, Mark S. Doss, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Lucky Omens Bless Our RitesGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Daughter, ObeyGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Ah! Ne! - O Jove!George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: The Morning Lark To Mine Accords His NoteGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: See She Blushing Turns Her EyesGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Hymen, Haste, Thy Torch PrepareGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Alas! She Yields, And Has Undone MeGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Why Dost Thou Thus Untimely Grieve?George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Avert These OmensGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Again Auspicious Flashes RiseGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Thy Aid, Pronubial Juno, Athamas Implores!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Cease Your VowsGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: O Athamas, What Toture Hast Thou Borne!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Turn, Hopeless Lover, Turn Thy EyesGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: She Weeps!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Your Tuneful Voice My Tale Would TellGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Too Well I See, Thou Wilt Not Understand MeGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: You've Undone Me / With My Life I Would AtoneGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Ah, Wretched Prince / Wing'd With Our Fears /O Prodigy/See, See, Jove's PriestsGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Hail Cadmus!George Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Endless Pleasure...George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Iris, Impatient Of Thy StayGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: There From Mortal Cares RetiringGeorge Frideric Handel, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: No More - I'll Hear No More! / Awake Saturnia...George Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Hence, Iris, Hence AwayGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Oh Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me?George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Let Me Not Another MomentGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Lay Your Doubts And Fears AsideGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: You Are Mortal And Require Time To RestGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: With Fond DesiringGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: How Engaging, How EndearingGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Ah Me! Why Sighs My Semele!George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: I Must With Speed Amuse HerGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Now Love That Everlasting Boy InvitesGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: By My CommandGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Where'er You WalkGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Dear SisterGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: But Hark! The Heavenly SphereGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Prepare Then, Ye Immortal ChoirGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Bless The Glad EarthGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Somnus, AwakeGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Leave Me, Loathsome LightGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Dull GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Sylvia McNair, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: More Sweet Is That NameGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: My Will ObeyGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Obey My Will / All I Must GrantGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson