Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Baroque opera with George Frideric Handel's "Silla, HWV 10," a captivating exploration of power, love, and betrayal. This 1721 opera, based on the life of the notorious Roman dictator Lucius Cornelius Silla, is Handel's shortest yet most intense dramatic work, condensed into three gripping acts. The album, released by SOMM Recordings, features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Sonia Prina, Martina Belli, Sunhae Im, and Vivica Genaux, accompanied by the London Handel Orchestra under the direction of Denys Darlow.
"Silla, HWV 10" showcases Handel's mastery of the opera seria genre, with its intricate arias, dramatic recitatives, and stirring ensembles. The opera's libretto, drawn from Plutarch's accounts, delves into the tumultuous life of Silla, navigating themes of ambition, revenge, and redemption. The album's highlight includes the powerful aria "La vendetta è un cibo al cor" and the poignant duet "Ti lascio, idolo mio," demonstrating Handel's profound understanding of the human condition.
Spanning 1 hour and 44 minutes, this choral and operatic masterpiece is a testament to Handel's enduring genius. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Silla, HWV 10" offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the drama and beauty of Baroque opera at its finest.
2014 SOMM Recordings2014 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Silla, HWV 10: Overture. Largo - Allegro - AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10: Overture. Andante - AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10: Overture. MinuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 1: MarchGeorge Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 1: Recitativo. Silla, s'oggi risplende (Silla, Metella, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Rachel Nicholls, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 1: Aria. Alza il volo la mia fama (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 2: Recitativo. S'ecclissa la mia gioia! (Metella, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 2: Aria. Fuggon l'aure in me di vita (Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 3: Recitativo. Cieli, numi! Che vidi? (Lepido, Flavia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 3: Aria. Se ben tuona il ciel irato (Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 4: Recitativo. Sin con lingua di foco (Celia, Flavia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, Natasha Marsh, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 4: Aria. Un sol raggio di speranza (Flavia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 5: Recitativo. Sino su li occhi miei (Celia, Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 5: Aria. Senti, bell’idol mio! (Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 6: Si, t'amo, oh caro, e pur io son costretta (Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 6: Aria. Se la speranza nudrisce il mio cor (Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 7: Recitativo. Silla, dov'e la gloria (Silla, Claudio, Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, James Bowman, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act I Scene 7: Aria. Con tromba guerriera (Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 1: Recitativo. Flavia!…Signor, la tua grandezza ammira (Silla, Flavia)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 1: Aria. Qual scoglio in mezzo all'onde (Flavia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 2: Recitativo. T'arresta, altera! Ma pietoso Amore (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 2: Aria. Dolce nume de' mortali (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 3: Aria. Guerra, stragi e furor! - Scene 4 (Il Dio, Silla)George Frideric Handel, Chris Dixon, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 5: Recitativo. Silla! Ove ti guida (Lepido, Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 5: Aria. È tempo, oh luci belle (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 6: Recitativo. Mio diletto, che pensi? (Flavia, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 6: Duet. Sol per te, bell'idol mio (Flavia, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 7: Recitativo. Bella, lascia i sospiri! (Claudio, Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 7: Aria. Mi brilla nel seno (Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 8: Recitativo. Mio bel nume, t'arresta! (Silla, Metella, Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, Rachel Nicholls, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 8: Aria. Hai due vaghe pupillette (Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 9: Recitativo. Che mirò, oh Dei? Qui Silla? (Flavia, Silla, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Natasha Marsh, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 10: Duet. Ti lascio, idolo mio (Flavia, Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 11: Recitativo. Anima mia!...Mio caro! (Celia, Claudio, Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, Elizabeth Cragg, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 12: Recitativo. Snabro! Lepido sia da' stral traffitto (Silla, Scabro)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Denys Darlow, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 12: Aria. La vendetta è un cibo al cor (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 13: Recitativo. Oh! Perfido consorte (Metella, Scabro)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 14: Aria. Se'l mio mal da voi dipende (Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 15: Recitativo. Si, questi sono trofei, però imperfetti - Scene 16: Recitativo. Deh! Corri al tuo signore! (Silla, Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act II Scene 17: Aria. Secondate, oh giusti dei (Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 1: Recitativo. Quanto devo, oh Metella, al tuo cor generoso (Lepido, Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 2: Aria. Io non ti chiedo più (Metella)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Rachel Nicholls, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 3: Recitativo. La tua fedeltà, o caro amico (Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 3: Aria. Già respira in petto i core (Lepido)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Joanne Lunn, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 4: Recitativo. L'impero quanto e pio vasto e più pesante (Silla)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 5: Recitativo. Placasti, oh bella diva, il tuo rigore? (Silla, Celia)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 5: Aria. Sei già morto, idolo mio (Celia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 6: Recitativo. Rimembranze funeste (Celia, Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Elizabeth Cragg, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 6: Aria. Luci belle, serene stelle (Claudio)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Simon Baker, The London Handel Orchestra
Silla, HWV 10, Act III Scene 7: Aria. Stelle rubelle, a torto moriro (Flavia)George Frideric Handel, Denys Darlow, Natasha Marsh, The London Handel Orchestra
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.
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George Frideric Handel
