Joyce DiDonato, the acclaimed mezzo-soprano, presents "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music," a captivating exploration of the human experience through the lens of Baroque opera. Released on November 4, 2016, under the Erato/Warner Classics label, this album spans a rich tapestry of compositions from Handel, Purcell, Leo, Jommelli, and Monteverdi, offering a profound journey through themes of conflict and resolution.
The album, clocking in at 1 hour and 19 minutes, features a stunning array of arias and scenes that showcase DiDonato's extraordinary vocal prowess and dramatic depth. From Handel's powerful "Jephtha" to Purcell's haunting "Dido and Aeneas," each piece is meticulously crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from despair and longing to triumph and serenity. DiDonato's interpretation of these works is both technically masterful and deeply expressive, making this album a standout in the world of classical music.
"In War & Peace - Harmony through Music" is not just a collection of songs; it's a narrative journey that delves into the complexities of war and peace, love and loss, and the enduring power of music to heal and unite. DiDonato's renditions of iconic arias like "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's "Rinaldo" and "When I Am Laid in Earth" from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" are particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotion with every note.
This album is a testament to Joyce DiDonato's artistry and her commitment to bringing the beauty and depth of Baroque opera to a wider audience. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless relevance of these masterpieces.
Handel: Jephtha, HWV 70, Act 1: "Some dire event hangs o'er our heads... Scenes of horror, scenes of woe" (Storgè)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Leo: Andromaca, Act 1: "Prendi quel ferro, o barbaro!" (Andromaca)Leonardo Leo, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Handel: Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act 1: "Vani sono i lamenti... Svegliatevi nel core" (Sesto)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act IV: "They Tell Us" - Fourth Act Tune - "To Suffer for Him" (Orazia)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Handel: Agrippina, HWV 6, Act 2: "Pensieri, voi mi tormentate" (Agrippina)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Magdalena Karolak, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Recitative. "Thy Hand, Belinda" - Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Purcell: Bonduca, or the British Heroine, Z. 574, Act 5: "Oh! Lead Me to Some Peaceful Gloom" (Bonvica)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Handel: Rinaldo, HWV 7, Act 1: "Augelletti che cantate" (Almirena)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Anna Fusek, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Jommelli: Attilio Regolo, Act 2: "Sprezza il furor del vento" (Regolo)Niccolò Jommelli, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630: Prologue. "Why Should Men Quarrel" (Indian Girl)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Jommelli: Attilio Regolo, Act 1: "Par che di giubilo" (Attilia)Niccolò Jommelli, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Handel: Susanna, HWV 66, Act 2: "Lead me, oh lead me to some cool retreat.... Crystal streams in murmurs flowing" (Susanna)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Monteverdi: Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria, Act 5: "Illustratevi, o cieli" (Penelope)Claudio Monteverdi, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro