Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of John Weldon with his captivating album, "The Judgment of Paris." This intricate and dramatic work is a retelling of the classic myth, where the Trojan prince Paris must choose the most beautiful goddess among Juno, Pallas, and Venus. Weldon's composition is a masterful blend of orchestral and vocal elements, showcasing his exceptional talent for storytelling through music.
Spanning over 75 minutes, this album is a journey through a series of sonatas, canons, symphonies, and choruses, each piece intricately woven to depict the unfolding drama. The album opens with "The Judgment of Paris: No. 1, Sonata," setting the stage for the mythical tale, and builds to a crescendo with the final chorus, "The Judgment of Paris: No. 41, Chorus. Hither all ye Graces."
John Weldon's "The Judgment of Paris" is not just an album; it's an experience that invites you to explore the depths of baroque music. The intricate layers of the composition, the interplay between the vocal and instrumental parts, and the vivid portrayal of the myth make this album a standout piece in Weldon's discography. Released on AAM Records in March 2025, this album is a testament to Weldon's enduring legacy and his ability to bring classical myths to life through his music.
2025 Academy of Ancient Music2025 Academy of Ancient Music
Tracks
The Judgment of Paris: No. 1, SonataJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 2, Canon 4 in 1John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 3, From High Olympus (Mercury)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Thomas Walker
The Judgment of Paris: No. 4, Chorus. Forbear Thy Woolly Flock to FeedJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 5, O Hermes, I Thy Godhead Know (Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 6, This Radiant Fruit Behold (Mercury)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Thomas Walker
The Judgment of Paris: No. 7, O Ravishing Delight! (Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 8, Fear Not Mortal, None Shall Harm Thee (Mercury)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Thomas Walker
The Judgment of Paris: No. 9, Happy Thou of Human Race (Mercury, Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Thomas Walker, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 10, Chorus. Happy Thou of Human RaceJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 11, Symphony for JunoJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 12, Saturnia, Wife of Thund’ring Jove, Am I (Juno)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Helen Charlston
The Judgment of Paris: No. 13, Symphony for PallasJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 14, This Way Mortal Bend Thy Eyes (Pallas)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Kitty Whately
The Judgment of Paris: No. 15, Hither Turn Thee, Gentle Swain (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 16, Trio. Hither Turn Thee, Gentle Swain (Venus, Pallas, Juno)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis, Kitty Whately, Helen Charlston
The Judgment of Paris: No. 17, Distracted I Turn, but I Cannot Decide (Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 18, Apart Let Me View Then Each Heavenly Fair (Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 19, Let Ambition Fire Thy Mind (Juno)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Helen Charlston
The Judgment of Paris: No. 20, Chorus. Let Ambition Fire Thy MindJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 21, Crowns I’ll Throw Beneath Thy Feet (Juno)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Helen Charlston
The Judgment of Paris: No. 22, Chorus. Let Ambition Fire Thy MindJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 23, Let Not Toils of Empire Fright (Juno)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Helen Charlston
The Judgment of Paris: No. 24, Chorus. Let Ambition Fire Thy MindJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 25, Awake, Awake, Thy Spirits Raise (Pallas)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Kitty Whately
The Judgment of Paris: No. 26, Hark, Hark! the Glorious Voice of War (Pallas)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Kitty Whately
The Judgment of Paris: No. 27, Symphony for PallasJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 28, Trio. O What Joys Does Conquest Yield! (Pallas & Her Retinue)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Kitty Whately, Aksel Rykkvin, Anna Cavaliero
The Judgment of Paris: No. 29, Chorus. O How Glorious ’tis to SeeJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 30, To Me, Kind Swain, the Prize Resign (Pallas)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Kitty Whately
The Judgment of Paris: No. 31, Chorus. O How Glorious ’tis to SeeJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 32, Symphony for VenusJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins
The Judgment of Paris: No. 33, Stay Lovely Youth, Delay Thy Choice (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 34, Far From Thee Be Anxious Care (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 35, Chorus. One Only Joy Mankind Can KnowJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company
The Judgment of Paris: No. 36, Nature Fram’d Thee Sure for Loving (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 37, Fairest She, All Nymphs Transcending (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 38, Nature Fram’d Thee Sure for Loving (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 39, Fairest She, All Nymphs Transcending (Venus)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Anna Dennis
The Judgment of Paris: No. 40, I Yield, O Take the Prize (Paris)John Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Jonathan Brown
The Judgment of Paris: No. 41, Chorus. Hither all ye GracesJohn Weldon, Academy of Ancient Music, Julian Perkins, Cambridge Handel Opera Company