HANDEL Great Oratorios

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL

The Great Oratorios
Hogwood · Gardiner · Pinnock
McCreesh · Christophers
Int. Release 01 Jul. 2016

Track List

CD 1: Handel: La Resurrezione

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
La Resurrezione (1708), HWV 47

Parte Prima

1.
Sonate
3:18

Christopher Hogwood, The Academy of Ancient Music

2.
Aria: "Disserratevi, o porte d'Averno" (Angelo)
5:33

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
Recitativo accompagnato: "Qual'insolita luce" (Lucifero)
4:49

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

4.
Recitativo accompagnato: "Ma, che veggio?" (Lucifero, Angelo)
1:32

5.
Aria: "D'amor fu consiglio" (Angelo)
3:59

Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
Aria: "O voi, dell'Erebo" (Lucifero)
3:28

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

7.
Recitativo accompagnato: "Notte, notte funesta" (Maddalena)
6:56

Patrizia Kwella, Carolyn Watkinson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

8.
Aria: "Piangete, sì, piangete" (Cleofe)
4:31

Carolyn Watkinson, Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

9.
Aria: "Dolci chiodi, amate spine" (Maddalena, Cleofe)
5:22

10.
Aria: "Quando è parto dell'affetto" (S. Giovanni)
4:43

11.
Aria: "Naufragando va per l'onde" (Cleofe)
6:05

Patrizia Kwella, Carolyn Watkinson, Ian Partridge, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

12.
Aria: "Così la tortorella" (S. Giovanni)
4:34

Ian Partridge, Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

13.
Aria: "Ho un non so che nel cor" (Maddalena)
4:10

Emma Kirkby, Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

14.
Coro: "Il Nume vincitor" (Angelo, Coro di Angeli)
2:22

Christopher Hogwood, The Academy of Ancient Music, Emma Kirkby

Total Playing Time: 1:01:22

CD 2: Handel: La Resurrezione

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
La Resurrezione (1708), HWV 47

Parte Seconda

1.
Introduction
2:25

2.
Aria: "Ecco il sol, ch'esce dal mar" (S. Giovanni)
5:13

Ian Partridge, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
Aria: "Risorga il mondo" (Angelo)
2:34

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

4.
Recitativo accompagnato: "Di rabbia indarno freme" (Angelo)
1:46

David Thomas, Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

5.
Aria: "Per celare il nuovo scorno" (Lucifero)
2:28

Emma Kirkby, David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
Aria: "Impedirlo io saprò" (Lucifero, Angelo)
1:22

Patrizia Kwella, Emma Kirkby, Carolyn Watkinson, David Thomas

7.
Aria: "Per me già di morire" (Maddalena)
5:34

Patrizia Kwella, David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

8.
Aria: "Vedo il Ciel che più sereno" (Cleofe)
5:36

Carolyn Watkinson, Patrizia Kwella, Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

9.
Aria: "Se per colpa di donna infelice" (Angelo)
3:04

Emma Kirkby, Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

10.
Aria: "Del ciglio dolente" (Maddalena)
2:51

Patrizia Kwella, Carolyn Watkinson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

11.
Aria: "Augelletti, ruscelletti" (Cleofe)
4:04

Carolyn Watkinson, Ian Partridge, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

12.
Aria: "Caro Figlio!" (S. Giovanni)
5:42

Ian Partridge, Patrizia Kwella, Carolyn Watkinson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

13.
Aria: "Se impassibile, immortale" (Maddalena)
4:10

Patrizia Kwella, Ian Partridge, Carolyn Watkinson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

14.
Coro: "Diasi lode in Cielo, in terra"
1:28

The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Total Playing Time: 48:17

CD 3: Handel: Acis and Galatea

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49

First Version

1.
Sinfonia
3:27

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
Oh, the pleasure of the plains
5:56

Norma Burrowes, Paul Elliott, Willard White, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
Ye verdant plains
0:57

4.
Hush, ye pretty warbling quire
6:20

Norma Burrowes, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
Where shall I seek the charming fair
3:23

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
Stay, shepherd, stay
0:26

7.
Shepherd, what art thou pursuing
4:28

Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
Lo! here my love
0:31

9.
Love in her eyes sits playing
6:53

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
Oh! didst thou know
0:22

11.
As when the dove laments her love
6:32

Norma Burrowes, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
Happy we
2:35

Norma Burrowes, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 41:50

CD 4: Handel: Acis and Galatea

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49

First Version

1.
Wretched lovers
5:06

Norma Burrowes, Paul Elliott, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Willard White, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
I rage, I melt, I burn
1:24

3.
O ruddier than the cherry
3:08

Willard White, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
Whither, fairest, art thou running
1:06

Willard White, Norma Burrowes, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
Cease to beauty to be suing
5:39

Willard White, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
Would you gain the tender creature
5:43

Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
His hideous love
0:27

8.
Love sounds th'alarm
5:26

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
Consider, fond shepherd
6:34

Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
Cease, o cease
0:32

Norma Burrowes, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
The flocks shall leave the mountains
2:31

Norma Burrowes, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Willard White, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
Help, Galatea
1:05

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
Mourn, all ye Muses
3:16

Norma Burrowes, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Paul Elliott, Willard White, Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
Must I my Acis still bemoan
3:56

Norma Burrowes, Martyn Hill, Paul Elliott, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Willard White, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
'Tis done
0:24

16.
Heart, the seat of soft delight
4:09

Norma Burrowes, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
Galatea, dry thy tears
3:12

Norma Burrowes, Paul Elliott, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Willard White, Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 53:38

CD 5: Handel: Esther

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Esther, HWV 50

Scene 1

1.
Ouverture...Recit "Tis greater far to spare"
7:46

David Thomas, Andrew King, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

2.
"Pluck root and branch from out the land"
2:10

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
"Shall we the God of Israel fear?"
1:55

Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Scene 2

4.
"Tune your harps to cheerful strains"
3:56

The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood, Paul Elliott

5.
"Shall we of servitude complain"
1:26

Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
"Praise the Lord with cheerful noise"
6:08

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

7.
"Sing songs of praise, bow down the knee"
6:12

Andrew King, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Scene 3

8.
"Ye sons of Israel mourn"
2:06

Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

9.
"O Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide"
9:35

Drew Minter, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Scene 4

10.
"Dread not, righteous Queen, the danger
3:46

Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

11.
"Tears assist me, pity moving"
3:01

Ian Partridge, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

12.
"Save us, O Lord"
1:32

Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Total Playing Time: 49:33

CD 6: Handel: Esther

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Esther, HWV 50

Scene 5

1.
"Who dares intrude into our presence"
1:08

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

2.
"Who calls my parting soul from death?"
2:35

Patrizia Kwella, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
"O beauteous Queen"...Recit:"If I find favour"
7:39

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Patrizia Kwella, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

4.
"How can I stay when love invites"
3:54

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

5.
"Virtue, truth and innocence"
2:34

Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
"Jehovah, crown'd with glory bright"
6:59

Drew Minter, Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Scene 6

7.
"Turn not, O Queen, thy face away"
2:11

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

8.
"Flatt'ring tongue, no more I hear thee!"
5:12

Patrizia Kwella, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

9.
"How art thou fall'n from thy height!"
4:16

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

10.
"The Lord our enemy has slain"
10:46

The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Total Playing Time: 47:14

CD 7: Handel: Athalia

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Athalia, HWV 52

Act 1

1.
Sinfonia
5:23

The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

2.
"Blooming virgins, spotless train"
4:48

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
"The rising world Jehovah crown'd"
3:13

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

4.
"Tyrants would in impious throngs"
3:19

Emma Kirkby, Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

5.
"When he is in his wrath reveal'd"
3:41

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
"Your sacred songs awhile forbear"
6:41

James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

7.
"What scenes of horror round me rise!"
2:21

Joan Sutherland, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

8.
"The gods, who chosen blessings shed"
2:29

9.
"Cheer her, O Baal"
3:10

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

10.
"Gentle airs, melodious strains!"
3:38

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

11.
"Softest sounds no more can ease me"
4:31

Joan Sutherland, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

12.
"The traitor if you there descry...My Josabeth!"
1:57

James Bowman, Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

13.
"Faithful cares in vain extended"
5:52

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

14.
"Gloomy tyrants, we disdain"
4:49

James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Total Playing Time: 55:52

CD 8: Handel: Athalia

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Athalia, HWV 52

Act 2

1.
"The mighty pow'r"
5:57

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

2.
"Through the land so lovely blooming"
8:22

Emma Kirkby, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

3.
"Ah, canst thou but prove me!"
5:31

Joan Sutherland, David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

4.
"Will God, whose mercies ever flow"
3:18

Aled Jones, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

5.
"My vengeance awakes me"
4:52

Joan Sutherland, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

6.
"My spirits fail, I faint, I die!"
4:12

Emma Kirkby, Aled Jones, James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

7.
"Cease thy anguish, smile once more"
6:35

Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

8.
"The clouded scene begins to clear"
3:54

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Act 3

9.
"What sacred horrors shake my breast!"
1:29

James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

10.
"Unfold, great seer, what heav'n imparts"
0:51

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

11.
"Let harmony breathe soft around"
4:15

James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

12.
"With firm united hearts"
0:56

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

13.
"Soothing tyrant, falsely smiling"
2:21

Joan Sutherland, Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

14.
"Around let acclamations ring"
2:40

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

15.
"Oppression, no longer I dread thee"
1:53

David Thomas, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

16.
"Hark! His thunders round me roll"
2:43

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

17.
"To darkness eternal"
1:05

Joan Sutherland, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

18.
"Now, Josabeth, thy fears are o'er!"
2:36

James Bowman, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

19.
"Give glory to his awful name"
2:10

Choir of New College, Oxford, The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood

Total Playing Time: 1:05:40

CD 9: Handel: Alexander's Feast

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Alexander's Feast, HWV.75

Part 1

1.
Overture
6:12

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
"T'was at the royal feast"
0:49

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
"Happy, happy, happy pair!"
4:45

Donna Brown, Carolyn Watkinson, Ashley Stafford, Nigel Robson, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
"Timotheus placed on high"
0:19

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
"The song began from Jove"
0:49

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"The listening crowd admired the lofty sound"
2:16

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
"With ravish'd ears"
3:25

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
"The praise of Bacchus then"
0:29

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"Bacchus, ever fair and young"
4:40

Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"Soothed with the sound, the king grew vain"
0:34

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"He chose a mournful Muse"
1:20

12.
"He sung Darius, great and good"
3:02

13.
"With downcast looks the joyless victor sate"
0:53

Carolyn Watkinson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
"Behold Darius great and good"
3:06

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
"The mighty master smiled to see"
0:28

16.
"Softly sweet in Lydian measures"
3:00

Ashley Stafford, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
"War, he sung, is toil and trouble"
5:19

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

18.
"The many rend the skies with loud applause"
3:56

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

19.
"The prince, unable to conceal his pain"
6:05

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

20.
"The many rend the skies with loud applause"
4:03

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 55:30

CD 10: Handel: Alexander's Feast

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Concerto grosso in C, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast"

1.
1. Allegro
3:31

2.
2. Largo - Adagio
1:51

3.
3. Allegro - Adagio
3:25

4.
4. Andante non presto
4:06

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Alexander's Feast, HWV.75

Part 2

5.
"Now strike the golden lyre again" - "Break his bond" "Hark, hark! The horrid sound"
2:20

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"Revenge, revenge, Timotheus cries" - "Behold, a ghastly band"
5:06

Carolyn Watkinson, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
"Give the vengeance due"
1:46

8.
"The princes applaud with a furious joy"
2:07

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"Thaïs led the way" - "The princes applaud"
5:27

Donna Brown, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"Thus, long ago"
2:47

Nigel Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"At last divine Cecilia came"
3:08

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
"Your voices tune, and raise them high"
0:32

Ashley Stafford, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
"Let's imitate her notes above!"
2:28

Ashley Stafford, Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
"Let old Timotheus yield the prize"
0:20

Nigel Robson, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
"Let old Timotheus yield the prize"
3:46

Carolyn Watkinson, Ashley Stafford, Donna Brown, Nigel Robson, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 42:40

CD 11: Handel: Saul

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Saul, HWV 53

revised by John Eliot Gardiner & Anthony Hicks

Symphony

1.
Allegro
4:06

2.
Larghetto
1:52

3.
Allegro
2:47

4.
Andante larghetto
3:16

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Act 1

5.
"How excellent thy Name, O Lord"
2:45

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"An Infant rais'd by thy Command...Along the Monster Atheist strode"
2:32

Derek Lee Ragin, Ruth Holton, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
"The Youth inspir'd by Thee, O Lord"
1:50

8.
"How excellent thy Name, O Lord"
2:20

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"He comes... O Godlike Youth!"
3:07

Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"Behold, O King, the brave victorious Youth"
0:46

Derek Lee Ragin, Philip Slane, Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"O King, your Favours with Delight I take...O early Piety!"
5:16

Derek Lee Ragin, John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
"What abject Thoughts a Prince can have...Yet think, on whom this Honour you bestow"
2:27

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
"Birth and Fortune I despise!"
4:06

John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
"Go on, illustrious Pair!...While yet thy Tide of Blood runs high"
2:32

Neil Mackie, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
"Thou, Merab, first in Birth... My Soul rejects the Thought...See, see with what a scornful Air...Ah! Lovely Youth!"
3:22

Alastair Miles, Donna Brown, Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

16.
Symphony...Already see...Welcome, welcome mighty King!"
2:47

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
"What do I hear?...David his Ten Thousands slew...To him Ten thousands!"
1:09

Alastair Miles, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

18.
"With Rage I shall burst his Praises to hear!"
1:21

Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

19.
"Imprudent Women!"
0:40

John Mark Ainsley, Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

20.
28. Air: Fell Rage and black Despair possessed
2:35

Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

21.
29. Recitative: This but the smallest Part of Harmony 30. Accompagnato: By thee this Universal Frame
2:36

Neil Mackie, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

22.
31. Recitative: Rack'd with Infernal Pains
0:13

Philip Slane, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

23.
32. Air: O Lord, whose Mercies - 33. Symphony
5:09

Derek Lee Ragin, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

24.
34: Recitative: 'Tis all in vain - 35. Air: A Serpent in my Bosom warm'd - 36. Recitative: Has he escaped my Rage?
2:18

John Mark Ainsley, Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

25.
37. Air: Capricious Man
3:37

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

26.
38. Accompagnato: O Filial Piety!
1:23

27.
39. Air: No, no cruel Father, no
1:34

John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

28.
40. Air: O Lord, whose Providence Ever wakes for their Defence
1:36

Neil Mackie, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

29.
41. Chorus: Preserve him for the Glory of thy Name
2:51

30.
Audience Applause Act 1
0:25

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 1:13:18

CD 12: Handel: Saul

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Saul, HWV 53

revised by John Eliot Gardiner & Anthony Hicks

Act 2

1.
42. Chorus: Envy! Eldestborn of Hell!
2:49

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
43. Recitative: Ah! dearest Friend
0:33

3.
44. Air: But sooner Jordan's Stream, I swear
2:08

John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
45. Recitative: O strange Vicissitude!
0:47

Derek Lee Ragin, John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
46. Air: Such haughty Beauties
4:17

Derek Lee Ragin, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
47. Recitative: My Father comes - 48. Recitative: Hast thou obey'd my Orders
0:45

John Mark Ainsley, Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
49. Air: Sin not, o King, against the Youth
2:10

John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
50. Air: As great Jehovah lives
1:18

Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
51. Air: From Cities storm'd, and Battles won
2:13

10.
52. Recitative: Appear, my Friend
0:31

John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
53. Air: Your Words, O King - 54. Recitative: Yes he shall wed my Daughter!
1:25

Derek Lee Ragin, Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
55. Recitative: A Father's Will
0:28

Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
56. Duet: O Fairest of ten thousand Fair - 57. Chorus: Is there a Man
4:05

Derek Lee Ragin, The Monteverdi Choir, Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
58. Symphony
4:07

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
59. Recitative: Thy Father is as cruel
0:33

Derek Lee Ragin, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

16.
60. Duet: At Persecution I can laugh
1:15

Derek Lee Ragin, Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
61. Recitative: Whom dost thou seek?
0:30

Lynne Dawson, Simon Oberst, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

18.
62. Air: No, no, let the Guilty tremble
1:27

Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

19.
63. Recitative: Mean as he was
0:49

20.
64. Air: Author of Peace
3:11

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

21.
65. Symphony
1:14

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

22.
66. Accompagnato: The Time at length is come - 67. Recitative: Where is the Son of Jesse
1:33

Alastair Miles, John Mark Ainsley, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

23.
68. Chorus: O fatal Consequence of Rage
5:37

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 43:45

CD 13: Handel: Saul

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Saul, HWV 53

revised by John Eliot Gardiner & Anthony Hicks

Act 3

1.
69. Accompagnato: Wretch that I am - 70. Accompagnato: 'Tis said, here lives a Woman - 71. Recitative: With me what would'st thou?
3:46

Alastair Miles, Philip Salmon, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
72. Air: Infernal Spirits
2:13

Philip Salmon, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
73. Accompagnato: Why hast thou forc'd me from the Realms of Peace
3:03

Richard Savage, Alastair Miles, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
74. Symphony
0:35

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
75. Recitative: Whence comest thou? - 76. Air: Impious Wretch, of Race accurst
2:39

Derek Lee Ragin, Philip Slane, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
77. March
3:06

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
78. Chorus: Mourn Israel
3:25

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
79. Air: O let it not in Gath be heard
2:07

Neil Mackie, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
80. Air: From this unhappy Day
2:53

Donna Brown, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
81. Air: Brave Jonathan his Bow ne'er drew
2:24

Derek Lee Ragin, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
82. Chorus: Eagles were not so swift as they
0:21

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
83. Air: In sweetest Harmony
4:28

Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
84. Solo and Chorus: O fatal Day
4:40

Derek Lee Ragin, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
85. Recitative: Ye Men of Judah, weep no more
0:27

Neil Mackie, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
86. Chorus: Gird on thy Sword
5:17

16.
Audience Applause Act 3
0:28

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 41:52

CD 14: Handel: Israel in Egypt

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54

1.
Overture
1:56

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Pt. 1: Exodus

2.
Rec.:"Now there arose a new king" - Chorus: "And the children of israel"
3:51

Collin Patrick, Nicolas Robertson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
Rec.:"Then sent he Moses" - Chorus: "They loathed to drink"
2:31

Philip Salmon, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
No.5 Air: "Their land brought forth frogs"
2:15

Ashley Stafford, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
No.6 Chorus: "He spake the word"
2:03

6.
No.7 Chorus: "He gave them hailstones"
2:03

7.
No.8 Chorus: "He sent a thick darkness"
2:44

8.
No.9 Chorus: "He smote all the first-born"
2:19

9.
No.10 Chorus: "But as for his people"
4:01

10.
No.11 Chorus: "Egypt was glad when they departed"
3:03

11.
No.12 Chorus: "He rebuked the Red Sea"
2:58

12.
No.13 Chorus: "And Israel saw that great work"
3:57

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 33:41

CD 15: Handel: Israel in Egypt

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54

Pt. 2: Moses' Song

1.
No.14 Introitus (Chorus): "Moses and the children of Israel"
3:19

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
No.15 Duet: "The Lord is my strength"
4:19

Ruth Holton, Elisabeth Priday, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
No.16 Chorus: "He is my God"
3:03

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
No.17 Duet: "The Lord is a man of war"
5:38

Julian Clarkson, Christopher Purves, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
No.18 Chorus: "The depths have covered them"
2:06

6.
No.19 Chorus: "Thy right hand, o Lord"
3:34

7.
No.20 Chorus: "And with the blast of thy nostrils"
2:47

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
No.21 Air: "The enemy said: I will pursue"
2:19

Philip Salmon, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
No.22 Air: "Thou didst blow with the wind"
2:08

Elisabeth Priday, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
No.23 Chorus: "Who is like unto thee"
2:25

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
No.24 Duet: "Thou in thy mercy"
4:31

Jonathan Peter Kenny, Philip Salmon, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
No.25 Chorus: "The people shall hear and be afraid"
7:37

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
No.26 Air: "Thou shalt bring them"
3:49

Michael Chance, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
Chorus:"The Lord shall reign" - Rec.: "For the horse" - Chorus - Rec.: "And Miriam" - Chorus: "Sing ye to the Lord"
5:05

Donna Deam, Paul Tindall, Andrew Tusa, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

15.
Zadok the Priest (Coronation Anthem No. 1, HWV 258)
5:45

16.
The King Shall Rejoice (Coronation Anthem No.3, HWV 260)
10:36

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 1:09:01

CD 16: Handel: Messiah

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Messiah, HWV 56

Pt. 1

1.
Symphony
3:22

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

2.
"Comfort ye, My people"
3:26

3.
"Ev'ry Valley shall be exalted"
3:32

Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

4.
"And The Glory Of The Lord"
2:51

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

5.
"Thus saith the Lord"
1:36

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, John Tomlinson

6.
"But who may abide the day of his coming"
4:45

Michael Chance, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

7.
"And He Shall Purify The Sons Of Levi"
2:25

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

8.
"Behold, a virgin shall conceive"
0:30

Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

9.
"O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion"
5:30

Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

10.
"For behold, darkness shall cover"
3:03

John Tomlinson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

11.
"The people that walked in darkness"
3:56

John Tomlinson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

12.
"For Unto Us A Child Is Born"
4:04

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

13.
Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
1:11

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

14.
"There were shepherds ...And suddenly there"
1:34

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

15.
"Glory to God in the highest"
1:58

The English Concert, The English Concert Choir

16.
"Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion"
4:48

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

17.
"Then shall the eyes of the blind"
0:21

Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

18.
" He shall feed his flock"
6:09

Arleen Augér, Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

19.
"His Yoke Is Easy"
2:17

Pt. 2

20.
"Behold The Lamb Of God"
3:17

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

21.
"He Was Despised"
13:15

Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

Total Playing Time: 1:13:50

CD 17: Handel: Messiah

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Messiah, HWV 56

Pt. 2

1.
"Surely He hath borne our griefs"
2:28

2.
"And with His stripes we are healed"
1:53

3.
"All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray"
3:54

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

4.
"All they that see Him"
0:47

Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

5.
"He trusted in God"
2:33

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

6.
"Thy rebuke hath broken His heart"
1:49

7.
"Behold and see"
2:00

Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

8.
"He was cut off"
0:15

9.
"But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul In Hell"
2:09

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

10.
"Lift Up Your Heads"
3:05

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

11.
"Unto which of the angels"
0:12

Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert, Howard Crook

12.
"Let all the angels of God"
1:29

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

13.
"Thou Art Gone Up On High"
3:11

Michael Chance, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

14.
"The Lord Gave The Word"
1:05

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

15.
"How Beautiful Are The Feet"
2:37

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

16.
"Their Sound Is Gone Out"
1:23

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

17.
"Why do the nations so furiously rage together?"
2:56

John Tomlinson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

18.
"Let us break their bonds asunder"
1:48

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

19.
"He that dwelleth in heaven"
0:11

20.
"Thou shalt break them"
2:06

Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

21.
"Hallelujah"
3:57

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

Pt. 3

22.
"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"
6:42

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

23.
"Since By Man Came Death"
2:20

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

24.
"Behold, I tell you a mystery"
0:32

25.
"The trumpet shall sound"
8:59

John Tomlinson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

26.
"Then shall be brought to pass"
0:16

Michael Chance, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

27.
"O death where is thy sting?"
1:03

Michael Chance, Howard Crook, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

28.
"But Thanks Be To God"
2:13

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

29.
"If God Be For Us"
4:41

Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

30.
"Worthy is the Lamb... Amen"
7:31

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

Total Playing Time: 1:16:05

CD 18: Handel: Samson

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

1.
Overture
7:46

The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

2.
"This day, a solemn feast to Dagon held"
0:32

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

3.
"Awake the trumpet's lofty sound"
1:54

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

4.
"Ye men of Gaza"
3:52

Lynne Dawson, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

5.
"Awake the trumpet's lofty sound"
0:29

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

6.
"Loud as the thunder's aweful voice"
3:07

Mark Padmore, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

7.
"Then free from sorrow"
2:35

Lynne Dawson, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

8.
"Philistines awake the trumpet's lofty sound"
0:28

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

9.
"Why by an angel"
0:52

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

10.
"Torments alas!"
3:57

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

11.
"O change beyond report"
0:57

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

12.
"O mirror of our fickle state!"
2:44

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

13.
"Whom have I to complain"
2:36

Thomas Randle, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

14.
"Total eclipse!"
3:29

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

15.
"Since light so necessary is to life"
1:12

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

16.
"Oh first created beam!"
3:35

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

17.
"Ye see, my friends"
2:00

Thomas Randle, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

18.
"Brethren and men of Dan"
0:33

Michael George, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

19.
"O miserable change"
0:45

Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

20.
"O ever failing trust"
0:15

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

21.
"God of our fathers"
2:59

Mark Padmore, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

22.
"The good we wish for"
1:04

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

23.
"Thy glorious deeds"
4:36

Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

24.
"Justly these evils"
1:36

Thomas Randle, Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

25.
"My griefs for this"
0:54

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

26.
"Why does the God of Israel sleep?"
4:35

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

27.
"There lies our hope!"
0:21

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

28.
"Then shall they know"
2:19

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

29.
"For thee, my dearest son"
2:57

Michael George, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

30.
"Then long eternity"
5:27

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 1

31.
"Then round about the starry throne"
2:10

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Total Playing Time: 1:12:36

CD 19: Handel: Samson

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

1.
"Despair not thus!"
1:26

Michael George, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

2.
"Just are the ways of God to man"
3:26

Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

3.
"My evils hopeless are!"
0:46

Thomas Randle, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

4.
"Return, oh God of hosts!"
8:39

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

5.
"But who is this"
3:16

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Thomas Randle, Lynda Russell, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

6.
"With plaintive notes"
7:06

Lynda Russell, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

7.
"Alas! Th'event was worse than I foresaw"
0:55

Lynda Russell, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

8.
"Your charms to ruin led the way"
3:37

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

9.
"Forgive what's done"
0:30

Lynda Russell, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

10.
"My faith and truth"
6:15

Lynda Russell, Lynne Dawson, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

11.
"To fleeting pleasures make your court"
4:54

Lynda Russell, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

12.
"Ne'er think of that!"
1:27

Thomas Randle, Lynda Russell, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

13.
"Traitor to love!"
1:57

Lynda Russell, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

14.
"It is not virtue, valour, wit"
4:13

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

15.
"Favour'd of heaven is he"
0:22

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

16.
"To man God's universal law"
2:30

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

17.
"No words of peace"
1:38

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Jonathan Best, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

18.
"Honour and arms scorn such a foe"
5:41

Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

19.
"Put on your arms"
0:11

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

20.
"My strength is from the living God"
2:54

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

21.
"With thee!"
0:42

Jonathan Best, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

22.
"Go, baffled coward, go"
2:17

Thomas Randle, Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

23.
"Here lie the proof"
0:47

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

24.
"Hear, Jacob's God, Jehovah, hear!"
3:15

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

25.
"Dagon, arise!"
0:14

Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

26.
"To song and dance we give the day"
4:05

Mark Padmore, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 2

27.
"To song and dance we give the day" (Chorus)
1:58

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

28.
"Fix'd in his everlasting seat"
3:03

Lynda Russell, Thomas Randle, Jonathan Best, Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Total Playing Time: 1:18:04

CD 20: Handel: Samson

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

1.
"More trouble is behind"
1:24

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Thomas Randle, Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

2.
"Presuming slave, to move their wrath"
3:01

Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

3.
"Reflect then, Samson"
0:51

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

4.
"With thunder arm'd great God, arise!"
2:55

The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

5.
"Be of good courage"
2:23

Thomas Randle, Catherine Wyn Rogers, Jonathan Best, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

6.
"Thus when the sun"
3:54

Thomas Randle, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

7.
"With might endued above the sons of men"
0:26

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

8.
"The Holy One of Israel"
2:23

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

9.
"Old Manoa, with youthful steps"
0:26

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

10.
"Great Dagon has subdued our foe"
4:29

Mark Padmore, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

11.
"What noise of joy was that?"
0:48

Michael George, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

12.
"How willing my paternal love"
3:37

Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

13.
"Your hopes of his deliv'ry seem not vain"
1:57

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael George, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

14.
"Noise call you this?"
0:41

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

15.
"Where shall I run"
3:49

Matthew Vine, Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

16.
"Ye sons of Israel"
3:19

Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

17.
"Proceed we hence to find his body"
0:47

Michael George, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

18.
Dead March
3:06

The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

19.
"The body comes"
1:11

Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael George, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

20.
"Glorious Hero, may thy grave"
5:12

Lynne Dawson, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

21.
"Come, come! No time for lamentation now"
1:02

Michael George, Catherine Wyn Rogers, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Samson, HWV 57

Act 3

22.
"Let the bright Seraphim"
6:26

Lynne Dawson, The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry Christophers

Total Playing Time: 54:07

CD 21: Handel: Semele

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Semele, HWV 58

Act 1

1.
Overture
9:04

English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

2.
Behold! auspicious flashes arise
1:26

Mark S. Doss, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

3.
Lucky omens bless our rites
3:08

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

4.
Daughter, obey
0:58

Samuel Ramey, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

5.
Ah! me! - O Jove!
2:44

6.
The morning lark to mine accords his note
7:05

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

7.
See she blushing turns her eyes
0:18

8.
Hymen, haste, thy torch prepare
4:38

Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

9.
Alas! she yields, and has undone me
0:48

Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

10.
Why dost thou thus untimely grieve?
2:45

Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

11.
Avert these omens
2:00

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

12.
Again auspicious flashes rise
0:39

Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

13.
Thy aid, pronubial Juno, Athamas implores!
0:17

Michael Chance, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

14.
Cease your vows
0:36

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

15.
O Athamas, what toture hast thou borne!
0:30

Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

16.
Turn, hopeless lover, turn thy eyes
8:26

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

17.
She weeps!
0:25

18.
Your tuneful voice my tale would tell
4:56

Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

19.
Too well I see, thou wilt not understand me
0:47

20.
You've undone me / With my life I would atone
2:29

Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

21.
Ah, wretched prince / Wing'd with our fears /O prodigy/See, see, Jove's Priests
2:07

Michael Chance, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

22.
Hail Cadmus!
1:34

Samuel Ramey, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

23.
Endless pleasure...
4:30

Kathleen Battle, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

Total Playing Time: 1:02:10

CD 22: Handel: Semele

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Semele, HWV 58

Act 2

1.
Overture
1:31

English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

2.
Iris, impatient of thy stay
0:46

Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

3.
There from mortal cares retiring
3:27

Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

4.
No more - I'll hear no more! / Awake Saturnia..
1:55

Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

5.
Hence, Iris, hence away
3:23

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

6.
Oh sleep, why dost thou leave me?
3:10

7.
Let me not another moment
0:16

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

8.
Lay your doubts and fears aside
3:02

9.
You are mortal and require time to rest
0:23

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

10.
With fond desiring
2:54

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

11.
How engaging, how endearing
3:06

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

12.
Ah me! why sighs my Semele!
1:23

Kathleen Battle, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

13.
I must with speed amuse her
3:44

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

14.
Now Love that everlasting boy invites
2:21

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

15.
By my command
1:18

John Aler, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

16.
Where'er you walk
4:53

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

17.
Dear Sister
0:46

Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

18.
But hark! The Heavenly Sphere
2:14

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

19.
Prepare then, ye immortal choir
2:02

Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

20.
Bless the glad earth
2:43

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

Total Playing Time: 45:17

CD 23: Handel: Semele

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Semele, HWV 58

Act 3

1.
Overture
1:22

English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

2.
Somnus, awake
0:31

Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

3.
Leave me, loathsome light
3:07

Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

4.
Dull God
0:40

Sylvia McNair, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

5.
More sweet is that name
2:14

Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

6.
My will obey
1:23

7.
Obey my will / All I must grant
1:53

Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

8.
My racking thoughts by no kind slumbers freed
2:53

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

9.
Thus shap'd like Ino
1:14

Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

10.
Behold this mirror
2:40

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

11.
O ecstasy of happiness
0:19

12.
Myself I shall adore
6:39

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

13.
Be wise, as you are beautiful
0:37

Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

14.
Conjure him by his oath
1:28

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

15.
Thus let my thanks be pay'd
2:13

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

16.
Rich odours fill the fragrant air
0:32

Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

17.
Come to my arms
2:58

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

18.
O Semele! Why art thou....? / I ever am granting, ..
1:42

19.
Speak what you desire
0:15

John Aler, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

20.
By that tremendous flood, I swear
0:27

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

21.
You'll grant what I require? /Then cast off this human
0:34

John Aler, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

22.
Ah, take heed
1:11

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

23.
No, no, I'll take no less
5:14

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

24.
Ah, whither is she gone?
3:01

John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

25.
Above measure is the pleasure, which my revenge supplies
2:22

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

26.
Ah me, too late I now repent
3:44

Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

27.
Of my ill-boding dream
0:21

Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

28.
Oh, terror and astonishment
3:56

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

29.
How I was hence remov'd
1:00

Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

30.
Despair no more shall wound me
5:03

Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

31.
See from above the belling clouds descend
0:17

Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

32.
Sinfonia: Apollo come
1:29

English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

33.
Apollo comes, to relieve your care
0:57

Neil Mackie, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

34.
Happy shall we be
2:56

Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson

Total Playing Time: 1:07:12

CD 24: Handel: Hercules

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Hercules, HWV 60

1.
Overture
4:32

2.
Menuetto
2:03

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

Act 1

3.
Recit. acc. "See with what sad dejection"
2:02

4.
Aria: "No longer, Fate, relentless frown"
5:45

David Daniels, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

5.
Recit. acc.: "O Hercules! why art thou absent from me"
0:50

6.
Aria: "The world, when day's career is run"
4:31

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

7.
Recit: "Princess! be comforted, and hope the best"
1:25

Anne Sofie von Otter, David Daniels, Richard Croft, Marc Minkowski, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli

8.
Aria: "I feel, I feel the god"
1:33

Richard Croft, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

9.
Recit.: "He said, the sacred fury left his breast"
0:58

Anne Sofie von Otter, Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

10.
Aria: "There in myrtle shades reclined"
3:21

Anne Sofie von Otter, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre

11.
Recit.: "Despair not; but let rising hope suspend"
0:27

Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

12.
Aria: "Where congealed the northern streams"
1:53

Richard Croft, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

13.
Chorus: "O filial piety! O generous love!"
5:18

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

14.
Recit.: "Banish your fears!"
0:31

Anne Sofie von Otter, David Daniels, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

15.
Aria: "Begone, my fears, fly, hence, away"
3:27

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

16.
Recit: "A train of captives, red with honest wounds"
0:55

Anne Sofie von Otter, David Daniels, Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

17.
Aria: "The smiling hours"
1:21

David Daniels, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

18.
Chorus: "Let none despair"
2:26

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

19.
March
1:49

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

20.
Recit: "Thanks to the powers above"
1:27

Lynne Dawson, Gidon Saks, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

21.
Aria: "My father! Ah! methinks I see"
5:56

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

22.
Recit.: "Now farewell, arms!"
0:26

Gidon Saks, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

23.
Aria: "The god of battle"
2:24

Gidon Saks, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

24.
Recit.: "Ah me! How soon the flatterer hope"
0:27

Lynne Dawson, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

25.
Aria: "Daughter of gods, bright liberty"
5:55

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

26.
Chorus: "Crown with festal pomp the day"
2:28

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

Total Playing Time: 1:04:10

CD 25: Handel: Hercules

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Hercules, HWV 60

Act 2

1.
Sinfonia
1:11

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

2.
Recit.: "Why was I born a princess"
0:18

Lynne Dawson, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

3.
Aria: "How blest the maid ordained to dwell"
5:57

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

4.
Recit.: "It must be so"
0:38

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

5.
Aria: "When beauty sorrow's liv'ry wears"
2:48

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

6.
Recit: "Whence this unjust suspicion?"
1:10

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Marc Minkowski, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli

7.
Aria: "Ah! think what ills the jealous prove"
5:52

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

8.
Recit: "It is too sure that Hercules is false"
0:19

9.
Recit.: "In vain you strive"
0:16

Anne Sofie von Otter, David Daniels, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

10.
Chorus: "Jealousy! Infernal pest"
5:18

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

11.
Recit: "She knows my passion"
1:45

Lynne Dawson, Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

12.
Aria: "Banish love from thy breast"
2:17

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

13.
Recit.: "Forgive a passion"
0:10

Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

14.
Aria: "From celestial seats descending"
5:37

Richard Croft, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

15.
Chorus: "Wanton god of amorous fires"
2:04

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

16.
Recit.: "Yes, I congratulate"
0:45

Anne Sofie von Otter, Gidon Saks, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

17.
Aria: "Alcides' name in latest story"
4:47

Gidon Saks, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

18.
Recit.: "O glorious pattern of heroic deeds!"
0:30

Anne Sofie von Otter, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

19.
Aria: "Resign thy club and lion's spoils"
4:55

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

20.
Recit: "You are deceived! Some villain has belied"
1:29

Anne Sofie von Otter, Gidon Saks, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

21.
Aria: "Cease, ruler of the day, to rise"
3:50

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

22.
Recit: "Some kinder power inspire me to regain"
1:26

Anne Sofie von Otter, David Daniels, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

23.
Aria: "As stars, that rise and disappear"
3:54

David Daniels, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

24.
Recit.: "But see, the princess Iole"
1:16

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

25.
Duet: "Joys of freedom, joys of power"
2:33

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

26.
Recit.: "Father of Hercules"
0:18

Anne Sofie von Otter, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

27.
Chorus: "Love and Hymen"
3:55

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

Total Playing Time: 1:05:18

CD 26: Handel: Hercules

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Hercules, HWV 60

Act 3

1.
Sinfonia
3:54

Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre

2.
Recit: "Ye sons of Trachin, mourn you valiant chief"
1:26

David Daniels, Marcos Pujol, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

3.
Aria: "O scene of unexampled woe"
3:07

David Daniels, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

4.
Chorus: "Tyrants now no more shall dread"
4:15

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

5.
Recit. acc: "O Jove! what land is this"
2:24

Gidon Saks, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

6.
Recit: "Great Jove! relieve his pains!"
2:09

Richard Croft, Gidon Saks, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

7.
Aria: "Let not fame the tidings spread"
4:03

Richard Croft, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

8.
Recit. acc: "Where shall I fly?"
6:14

Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

9.
Recit: "Lo! the fair fatal cause of all this ruin!"
1:17

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

10.
Aria: "My breast with tender pity swells"
6:49

Lynne Dawson, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

11.
Recit: "Princess, rejoice! whose heaven-directed hand"
1:46

Anne Sofie von Otter, Marcos Pujol, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

12.
Aria: "He, who for Atlas prop'd the sky"
1:50

David Daniels, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

13.
Recit: "Words are too faint"
1:07

Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Marcos Pujol, Richard Croft, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

14.
Duet: "O prince, whose virtues all admire"
3:26

Lynne Dawson, Richard Croft, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski

15.
Recit.: "Ye sons of freedom"
0:17

Marcos Pujol, Claire Giardelli, Michel Maldonado, Yvon Repérant, Mirella Giardelli, Marc Minkowski

16.
Chorus: "To him your grateful notes of praise belong"
2:36

Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre

Total Playing Time: 46:40

CD 27: Handel: Belshazzar

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Belshazzar

1.
Overture
4:38

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

Act 1

2.
"Vain, fluctuating state of human empire"
5:06

3.
"Thou, God most high, and Thou alone"
4:00

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

4.
"The fate of Babylon, I fear, is nigh"
1:15

Arleen Augér, James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

5.
"Lament not thus, oh Queen, in vain!"
4:55

James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

6.
"Behold, by Persia's hero made"
2:49

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

7.
"Well may they laugh" / "Oh memory! Still bitter to my soul!"
1:19

David Wilson-Johnson, Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

8.
"Opprest with never-ceasing grief"
3:33

David Wilson-Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

9.
"Dry those unavailing tears"
2:13

10.
"Be comforted: safe though the tyrant seem" / "Methought, as on the bank of deep Euphrates"
2:35

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

11.
"Now, tell me, Gobrias"
1:14

Catherine Robbin, David Wilson-Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

12.
"Behold the monstrous human beast"
3:16

David Wilson-Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

13.
"Can you then think it strange"
0:16

14.
"Great God! who, yet but darkly known"
3:49

15.
"My friends, be confident"
0:41

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

16.
"All empires upon God depend"
3:15

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

17.
"Oh sacred oracles of Truth!"
5:14

18.
"Rejoice, my countrymen" / "Thus saith the Lord to Cyrus"
3:00

James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

19.
"Sing, oh ye heav'ns!"
4:11

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

Total Playing Time: 57:19

CD 28: Handel: Belshazzar

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Belshazzar

Act 1

1.
"Let festal joy triumphant reign!"
5:03

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

2.
"For you, my friends"
0:54

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

3.
"The leafy honours of the field"
7:34

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

4.
"It is the custom, I may say, the law"
1:23

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

5.
"Recall, oh king! thy rash command"
3:54

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

6.
"They tell you true"
1:23

7.
"Oh dearer than my life, forebear!"
7:15

Arleen Augér, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

8.
"By slow degrees the wrath of God"
4:16

Act 2

9.
"See, from his post Euphrates flies!"
6:27

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

10.
"You see, my friends, a path"
0:46

11.
"Amaz'd to find the foe so near"
4:24

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

12.
"To arms, to arms! no more delay!"
0:35

13.
"Ye tutelar gods of our empire"
2:59

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

14.
"Let the deep bowl thy praise confess"
2:38

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

15.
"Where is the God of Judah's boasted pow'r?"
2:41

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

16.
"Call all my Wise Men"
0:26

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

Total Playing Time: 52:38

CD 29: Handel: Belshazzar

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Belshazzar

Act 2

1.
A Sinfony
1:43

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

2.
"Ye sages! welcome always to your king" / "Alas! too hard a task the king imposes"
1:06

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Nigel Short, Nicolas Robertson, Richard Wistreich, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

3.
"Oh misery! - oh terror! - hopeless grief!"
1:50

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

4.
"Oh king, live for ever!"
1:40

Arleen Augér, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

5.
"No! to thyself thy trifles be"
1:31

6.
"Yet, to obey his dread command"
3:13

James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

7.
"Oh sentence too severe!" / "Regard, oh son, my flowing tears"
6:57

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

8.
"Oh God of Truth! oh faithful guide!"
4:37

9.
"You, Gobrias, lead directly to the palace"
1:02

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

10.
"Oh glorious prince!"
4:41

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

Act 3

11.
"Alternate hopes and fears"
4:28

Arleen Augér, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

12.
"Fain would I hope"
0:23

Arleen Augér, James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

13.
"Can the black Aethiop change his skin?"
2:26

James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

14.
"My hopes revive"
1:51

Arleen Augér, Nicolas Robertson, Richard Wistreich, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

15.
"Bel boweth down!"
1:31

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

16.
"I thank thee, Sesach"
1:38

Anthony Rolfe Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

17.
A Martial Symphony
0:39

The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

18.
"To pow'r immortal my first thanks"
2:45

David Wilson-Johnson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

19.
"Be it thy care, good Gobrias" / "Destructive War, thy limits know"
2:55

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

20.
"Great victor, at your feet I bow"
3:59

Arleen Augér, Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

21.
"Say, venerable prophet"
0:56

Catherine Robbin, James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

22.
"Tell it out among the heathen"
1:38

Julia Gooding, Nigel Short, Nicolas Robertson, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

23.
"Yes, I will build thy city"
2:22

Catherine Robbin, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock

24.
"I will magnify thee"
5:28

Arleen Augér, James Bowman, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir

Total Playing Time: 1:01:19

CD 30: Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63

1.
Overture
7:55

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

Part 1

2.
2. Chorus: "Mourn, ye afflicted children"
5:37

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

3.
3. Recit.: "Well, may our sorrows, brethren, flow"
1:23

Janet Baker, Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

4.
4. Duet: "From this dread scene"
2:54

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

5.
5. Chorus: "For Sion lamentation make"
3:35

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

6.
6. Recit.: "Not vain is all the storm of grief"
1:10

7.
7. Aria: "Pious orgies, pious airs"
3:47

Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

8.
8. Chorus: "Oh Father, whose Almighty pow'r"
2:27

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

9.
9. Recit.: "I feel, I fee the Deity within"
1:04

10.
10. Aria: "Arm, arm, ye brave!"
3:06

John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

11.
11. Chorus: "We come, we come, in bright array"
1:06

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

12.
12. Recit.: "'Tis well, my friends"
0:50

13.
13. Aria: "Call forth thy pow'rs, my soul"
2:15

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

14.
14. Recit.: "To Heav'n's Almighty king we kneel"
0:31

15.
15. Aria: "Oh liberty, thou choicest treasure"
2:41

16.
16. Aria: "Come, ever-smiling liberty"
3:20

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

17.
17. Recit.: "Oh Judas, may these noble views inspire"
0:15

18.
18. Aria: "'Tis liberty, dear liberty alone"
2:57

Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

19.
19. Duet: "Come, ever-smiling liberty"
1:19

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

20.
20. Chorus: "Lead on, lead on! Judah disdains"
0:50

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

21.
21. Recit.: "So will'd my father, now a rest"
1:38

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

22.
22. Semi-chorus: "Disdainfull of danger"
2:13

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

23.
23. Recit.: "Ambition! if e'er honour was thine aim"
0:22

24.
24. Aria: "No unhallow'd desire"
2:27

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

25.
25. Recit.: "Haste we, my brethren"
0:12

Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

26.
26. Chorus: "Hear us Lord, on thee we call"
3:43

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

Total Playing Time: 59:37

CD 31: Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63

Part 2

1.
27. Chorus: "Fall'n is the foe"
3:25

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

2.
28. Recit.: "Victorious hero! Fame shall tell"
0:46

3.
29. Aria: "So rapid thy course is"
4:26

4.
30. Recit.: "Well, may we hope our freedom to receive"
0:21

Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

5.
31./32. Duet And Chorus:"Sion now her head shall rise"
6:46

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

6.
33. Recit.: "Oh let eternal honours crown his name"
0:32

7.
34. Aria: "From mighty kings he took the spoil"
8:13

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

8.
35./36. Duet And Chorus: "Hail, hail, Judea, happy land!"
2:16

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

9.
37. Recit.: "Thanks to my brethren, but look up to Heav'n"
0:49

10.
38. Aria: "How vain is man, who boasts in fight"
5:57

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

11.
39. Recit.: "Oh Judas, oh my brethren!"
0:48

Paul Esswood, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

12.
40./41. Aria And Chorus: "Ah! wretched, wretched Israel!"
6:29

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

13.
42. Recit.: "Be comforted"
0:44

14.
43. Aria: "The Lord worketh wonders"
3:05

John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

15.
44. Recit.:"My arms! - against this Gorgias will I go"
0:27

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

16.
45. Aria: "Sound an alarm!" 46. Chorus: "We hear, we hear the pleasing dreadful sound"
4:44

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

17.
47. Recit.: "Enough!" To Heav'n we leave the rest"
0:49

18.
48. Aria: "With pious hearts, and brave as pious"
2:38

John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

19.
49. Recit.: "Ye worshippers of God"
1:18

Janet Baker, Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

20.
50. Aria: "Wise men, flatt'ring, may deceive us"
5:58

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

21.
51. Duet: "Oh! never, never bow we down" - 52. Chorus: We never, never will bow down
6:54

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

Total Playing Time: 1:07:25

CD 32: Handel: Judas Maccabaeus

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63

Part 3

1.
53. Aria: "Father of Heav'n! from Thy eternal throne"
7:08

2.
54. Recit.: "See, see yon flames"
0:47

Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

3.
55. Recit.: "Oh grant it, Heav'n"
0:32

4.
56. Aria: "So shall the lute and harp awake"
4:32

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

5.
57. Recit.: "From Capharsalama, on eagle wings I fly"
1:25

Paul Esswood, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

6.
58. Chorus Of Youth: "See, the conqu'ring hero comes!"- Chorus Of Virgins: "See, the godlike youth advance!" - Chorus: "See, the conqu'ring hero comes!"
2:50

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir

7.
59. March
1:46

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

8.
60. Chorus: "Sing unto God"
2:54

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

9.
61. Recit.: " Sweet flow the strains"
1:17

10.
62. Aria: "With honour let desert be crown'd"
3:20

Ryland Davies, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

11.
63. Recit: "Peace to my countrymen"
0:50

Christopher Keyte, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

12.
64. Chorus:"To our great God be all the honours giv'n"
2:28

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

13.
65. Recit.: "Again to earth let gratitude descend"
0:56

Felicity Palmer, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

14.
66. Aria, Duett:"Oh lovely peace, with plenty crown'd"
8:10

Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

15.
67. Aria: "Rejoice, oh Judah! and in songs devine"
1:51

John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras

16.
68. Chorus: "Hallelujah! Amen!"
1:41

English Chamber Orchestra, Charles Mackerras, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, Russell Burgess

Total Playing Time: 42:27

CD 33: Handel: Solomon

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Solomon HWV 67

1.
Overture
6:41

Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

Act 1

2.
" Your harps and cymbals"
3:16

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

3.
" Praise ye the Lord "
5:06

Peter Harvey, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

4.
" With pious heart "
4:24

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

5.
" Almighty Power "
3:19

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

6.
Imperial Salomon
0:39

7.
Sacred raptures
4:11

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

8.
" Throughout the land "
3:32

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

9.
Bless'd be the Lord
0:31

10.
What tho' I trace
6:29

11.
" And see my Queen "
0:46

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

12.
" Bless'd the day "
4:20

Inger Dam-Jensen, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

13.
Thou fair inhabitant of Nile
0:41

14.
Welcome as the dawn of day
3:16

Andreas Scholl, Inger Dam-Jensen, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

15.
Vain are the transient beauties
0:41

16.
Indulge thy faith
3:38

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

17.
My blooming fair
0:11

18.
Haste to the cedar grove
2:47

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

19.
When thou art absent
0:18

20.
With thee th'unshelter'd moor
2:10

Inger Dam-Jensen, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

21.
Search round the world
0:21

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

22.
" May no rash intruder "
4:21

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

Total Playing Time: 1:01:38

CD 34: Handel: Solomon

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Solomon HWV 67

Act 2

1.
" From the censer "
5:01

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

2.
Prais'd be the Lord
1:14

3.
When the sun o'er yonder hills
4:05

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

4.
Great prince
0:21

5.
Thrice bless'd that wise discerning king
3:09

Peter Harvey, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

6.
" My sovereign liege "
1:55

Andreas Scholl, Alison Hagley, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

7.
Words are weak
5:27

Alison Hagley, Susan Bickley, Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

8.
What says the other
1:22

Andreas Scholl, Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

9.
Thy sentence, great king
1:48

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

10.
Withhold, withhold the executing hand!
0:13

11.
Can I see my infant gor'd
4:38

Alison Hagley, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

12.
" Israel' attend "
1:55

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

13.
" Thrice bless'd be the king "
3:39

Alison Hagley, Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

14.
" From the east unto the west "
2:33

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

15.
From morn to eve
0:23

16.
See the tall palm
4:52

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

17.
No more shall armed bands
0:22

18.
Beneath the vine
5:02

Alison Hagley, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

19.
" Swell, swell the full chorus "
2:57

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

Total Playing Time: 50:56

CD 35: Handel: Solomon

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Solomon HWV 67

Act 3

1.
Sinfony
2:54

Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

2.
" From Arabia's spicy shores "
1:19

Susan Gritton, Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

3.
Ev'ry sight these eyes behold
4:15

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

4.
Sweep, sweep the string
0:18

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

5.
Music, spread thy voice around
3:48

6.
" Now a diff'rent measure" - " Shake the dome "
1:42

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

7.
Then at once from rage remove
0:44

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

8.
Draw the tear from hopeless love
3:01

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

9.
Next the tortur'd soul release
0:17

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

10.
Thus rolling surge rise
3:19

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

11.
" Thy harmony's divine "
1:08

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

12.
Pious king
2:41

Peter Harvey, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

13.
Thrice happy king
0:50

14.
Golden columns
3:09

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

15.
" Praise the Lord "
4:16

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

16.
Gold now is common
0:29

17.
How green our fertile pastures look!
1:56

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

18.
May peace in Salem
0:53

19.
Will the sun forget to streak
6:20

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

20.
Adieu, fair queen
0:16

Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

21.
Ev'ry joy that wisdom knows
2:30

Susan Gritton, Andreas Scholl, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

22.
The name of the wicked
2:24

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players, Paul McCreesh

Total Playing Time: 48:29

CD 36: Handel: Theodora

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Theodora, HWV 68

Newly Edited For This Recording By Timothy Roberts And Clifford Bartlett

Overture

1.
1a. Ouverture
3:03

2.
1b. Trio
1:48

3.
1c. Courante
1:44

Gabrieli Players

alternative Scene 2/Part II

Part 1

4.
2. Recitative: "'Tis Dioclesian's natal day" (Valens) - Sc.1
0:34

Newly Edited For This Recording By Timothy Roberts And Clifford Bartlett

Pt. 1

5.
3. Aria: "Go, my faithful soldier, go" (Valens) - Sc.1
1:50

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

6.
4. Chorus of Heathens: "And draw a blessing down" - Sc.1
2:07

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

7.
5. Recitative: "Vouchsafe, dread Sir" (Didymus, Valens) - Sc.1
0:55

Robin Blaze, Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

8.
6. Aria: "Racks, gibbets, sword and fire" (Valens) - Sc.1
3:20

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

9.
7. Chorus of Heathens: "For ever thus stand fix'd" - Sc.1
1:37

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

10.
8. Recitative: "Most cruel edict" (Didymus) - Sc.2
0:30

11.
9. Aria: "The raptur'd soul" (Didymus) - Sc.2
8:18

Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

12.
10. Recitative: "I know thy virtues" (Septimius) - Sc.2
0:45

13.
11. Aria: "Descend, kind Pity" (Septimius) - Sc.2
7:11

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

14.
12. Recitative: "Though hard, my friends" (Theodora) Sc.3
0:28

15.
13. Aria: "Fond, flatt'ring world, adieu" (Theodora) - Sc.3
4:18

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

16.
14. Recitative: "Oh bright example" (Irene) - Sc.3
0:28

17.
15. Aria: "Bane of virtue" (Irene) - Sc.3
5:06

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

18.
16. Chorus of Christians: "Come, mighty Father" - Sc.3
2:35

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

19.
17. Recitative: "Fly, fly, my brethren" (Messenger, Irene) - Sc.4
1:02

Angus Smith, Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

20.
18. Aria: "As with rosy steps the morn" (Irene) - Sc.4
6:48

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

21.
19. Chorus: "All pow'r in heav'n" - Sc.4
2:15

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

22.
20. Recitative: "Mistaken wretches!" (Septimius) -Sc.5
0:21

23.
21. Aria: "Dread the fruits of Christian folly" (Septimius) - Sc.5
2:43

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

24.
22. Recitative: "Deluded mortal"/Accompagnato: "O worse than death indeed" (Theodora, Septimius) - Sc.5
1:21

Susan Gritton, Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

25.
23. Aria: "Angels, ever bright and fair" (Theodora) - Sc.5
3:36

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

26.
24. Recitative: "Unhappy, happy crew!" (Didymus, Irene) - Sc.6
1:12

Robin Blaze, Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

27.
25. Air: "Kind heaven, if virtue be thy care" (Didymus) - Sc.6
5:05

Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

28.
26. Recitative: "Oh love! how great thy pow'r" (Irene) - Sc.6
0:23

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

29.
27. Chorus: "Go, gen'rous pious youth" - Sc.6
4:52

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

Total Playing Time: 1:16:15

CD 37: Handel: Theodora

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Theodora, HWV 68

Newly Edited For This Recording By Timothy Roberts And Clifford Bartlett

Pt. 2

1.
28. Recitative: "Ye men of Antioch" (Valens) - Sc.1
0:36

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

2.
29. Chorus of Heathens: "Queen of summer" - Sc.1
0:50

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

3.
30. Aria: "Wide spread his name" (Valens) - Sc.1
2:22

4.
31. Recitative: "Return, Septimius" (Valens) - Sc.1
0:37

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

5.
32. Chorus of Heathens: "Venus laughing from the skies" - Sc.1
1:18

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

6.
33. Sinfony - Sc.2
1:02

Gabrieli Players

7.
34. Recitative: "Oh thous bright sun!" (Theodora)-Sc.2
0:39

8.
35. Aria: "With darkness deep" (Theodora) - Sc.2
3:54

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

9.
36. Sinfony (original version) - Sc.2
1:22

Gabrieli Players

10.
37. Recitative: "But why art thou disquieted?" (Theodora) - Sc.2
0:22

11.
38. Aria: "O! that I on wings could rise" (Theodora) - Sc.2
3:13

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

12.
39. Recitative: "Long have I known" (Didymus, Septimius) - Sc.3
1:22

Robin Blaze, Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

13.
40. Aria: "Though the honours, that Flora" (Septimius) - Sc.3
3:57

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

14.
41. Recitative: "O save her then" (Didymus, Septimius) - Sc.3
0:36

Robin Blaze, Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

15.
42. Aria: "Deeds of kindness to display" (Didymus) - Sc.3
6:58

Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

16.
43. Recitative: "The clouds begin to veil" (Irene) - Sc.4
0:39

17.
44. Aria: "Defend her, Heav'n" (Irene) - Sc.4
4:58

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

18.
45. Recitative: "Or lull'd with grief" (Didymus) -Sc.5
0:34

19.
46. Aria: "Sweet rose and lily" (Didymus) - Sc.5
2:32

Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

20.
47. Recitative: "O save me, Heav'n"(Theodora, Didymus) - Sc.5
1:18

Susan Gritton, Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

21.
48. Aria: "the pilgrim's home" (Theodora) - Sc.5
2:43

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

22.
49. Accompagnato: "Forbid it, Heav'n!"/Rec.: "Ah! what is liberty" (Didymus, Theodora) - Sc.5
1:54

Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

23.
50. Duet: "To thee, thou glorious son of worth" (Theodora, Didymus) - Sc.5
4:36

Susan Gritton, Robin Blaze, Gabrieli Players

24.
51. Recitative: "'Tis night" (Irene) - Sc.6
0:47

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

25.
52. Chorus of Christians: "He saw the lovely youth" - Sc.6
4:49

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

alternative Scene 2/Part II

Part 2

26.
34a. Recitative: "Oh thou bright sun!" (Theodora) - alternative ending
0:40

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

27.
36a. Sinfony - alternative version
1:40

Gabrieli Players

Newly Edited For This Recording By Timothy Roberts And Clifford Bartlett

Pt. 2

28.
37. Recitative: "But why art thou disquieted?" (Theodora) - Sc.2
0:21

29.
38. Aria: "O! that I on wings could rise" (Theodora) - Sc.2
3:15

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

Total Playing Time: 59:54

CD 38: Handel: Theodora

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Theodora, HWV 68

Newly Edited For This Recording By Timothy Roberts And Clifford Bartlett

Pt. 3

1.
53. Aria: "Lord, to thee each night and day" (Irene) - Sc.1
5:12

2.
54. Recitative: "But see, the good, the virtuous" (Irene) - Sc.2
0:37

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

3.
55. Aria: "When sunk in anguish and despair" (Theodora) - Sc.2
3:54

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

4.
56. Chorus of Christians and Theodora: "Blest be the hand" (Chorus, Theodora) - Sc.2
3:28

Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

5.
57. Recitative: "Undaunted in the court" (Messenger, Irene)/Accompagnato: "O my Irene, Heav'n is kind" (Theodora) - Sc.3
1:31

Angus Smith, Susan Bickley, Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

6.
58. Duet: "Whither, Princess, do you fly?" (Irene, Theodora) - Sc.3
1:09

Susan Bickley, Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

7.
59. Recitative: "She's gone disdaining liberty and life" (Irene) - Sc.3
0:40

8.
60. Aria: "New scenes of joy come crowding on" (Irene) - Sc.3
4:31

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

9.
61. Recitative: "Is it a Christian virtue then"-Sc.4/"Be that my doom" (Valens, Didymus, Theodora, Septimius) - Sc.5
1:55

Neal Davies, Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

10.
62. Aria: "From virtue springs each gen'rous deed" (Septimius) - Sc.5
6:35

Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

11.
63. Aria: "Cease, ye slaves, your fruitless pray'r" (Valens) - Sc.5
1:02

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

12.
64. Recitative: "'Tis kind, my friends" (Didymus, Theodora) - Sc.5
0:53

Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

13.
65. Chorus (of Heathens): "How strange their ends" - Sc.5
3:22

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

14.
66. Recitative: "On me your frowns" (Didymus, Theodora, Valens) - Sc.5
0:32

Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

15.
67. Aria: "Ye ministers of justice" (Valens) - Sc.5
1:08

Neal Davies, Gabrieli Players

16.
68. Recitative: "And must such beauty suffer" (Didymus, Theodora, Septimius) - Sc.6
0:55

Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Paul Agnew, Gabrieli Players

17.
69. Aria and Duet: "Streams of pleasure ever flowing"/ "Thither let our hearts aspire" (Didymus, Theodora) - Sc.6
6:05

Robin Blaze, Susan Gritton, Gabrieli Players

18.
70. Recitative: "Ere this their doom is past" (Irene)- Sc.7
0:21

Susan Bickley, Gabrieli Players

19.
71. Chorus (of Christians): "O Love divine" - Sc.7
3:02

Gabrieli Consort, Gabrieli Players

Total Playing Time: 46:52

CD 39: Handel: Jephtha

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Jephtha, HWV 70

1.
Overture - Menuet
5:11

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Act 1

2.
"It must be so: or these vile Ammonites"
1:23

3.
"Pour forth no more unheeded pray'rs"
2:51

Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
"No more to Ammon's god and king"
2:55

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
"But Jephta comes"
0:53

Stephen Varcoe, Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"Virtue my soul shall still embrace"
4:07

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
"'Twill be a painful separation, Jephta"/"In gentle murmurs will I mourn"
4:59

Anne Sofie von Otter, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
"Happy this embassy, my charming Iphis"/"Dull delay, in piercing anguish"
3:50

Michael Chance, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"Ill suits the voice of love when glory calls"/"Take the heart you fondly gave"
4:14

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"I go. My soul, inspir'd by thy command"/"These labours past, how happy we!"
7:28

Michael Chance, Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"What mean these doubtful fancies"
1:57

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
"O God, behold our sore distress"
4:34

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
"Some dire event hangs o'er our heads"/"Scenes of horror, scenes of woe"
4:57

Anne Sofie von Otter, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
"Say, my dear mother"
0:53

15.
"The smiling dawn of happy days"
3:33

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

16.
"Such, Jephta, was the haughty king's reply"
0:26

Nigel Robson, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
"When his loud voice in thunder spoke"
4:39

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 58:50

CD 40: Handel: Jephtha

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Jephtha, HWV 70

Act 2

1.
"Glad tidings of great joy to thee, dear Iphis"
1:14

Michael Chance, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

2.
"Cherub and Seraphim, unbodied forms"
3:12

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
"Up the dreadful steep ascending"
4:15

Michael Chance, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
"'Tis well. Haste, haste, ye maidens"/"Tune the soft melodious lute"
4:42

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
"Heav'n smiles once more on his repentant people"/"His mighty arm, with sudden blow"
6:28

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"In glory high, in might serene"
2:32

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

7.
Symphony - "Hail, glorious conqueror"
1:30

8.
"Welcome as the cheerful light"
3:52

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"Horror! confusion!"/"Open thy marble jaws, O tomb"
4:59

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"Why is my brother thus afflicted"
0:58

Nigel Robson, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"First perish thou, and perish all the world"
2:20

Anne Sofie von Otter, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
"If such thy cruel purpose"/"On me let blind mistaken zeal"
1:48

Michael Chance, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
"O spare your daughter"
3:13

Stephen Varcoe, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
"Such news flies swift"
1:21

15.
"Happy they! this vital breath"
3:30

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

16.
"Deeper, and deeper still"
3:26

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

17.
"How dark, O Lord, are Thy decrees!"
8:04

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 57:24

CD 41: Handel: Jephtha

George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Jephtha, HWV 70

Act 3

1.
"Hide thou thy hated beams, O sun"
3:03

2.
"Waft her, angels, through the skies"
4:29

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

3.
"Ye sacred priests"/"Farewell, ye limpid springs and floods"
6:27

Lynne Dawson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

4.
"Doubtful fear and rev'rent awe"
3:50

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

5.
Symphony
2:44

English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

6.
"Rise, Jephta, and ye rev'rend priests"
1:01

7.
"Happy, Iphis shalt thou live"
4:00

Ruth Holton, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

8.
"For ever blessed be Thy holy name"
1:29

Nigel Robson, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

9.
"Theme sublime of endless praise"
3:23

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

10.
"Let me congratulate this happy turn"/"Laud her, all ye virgin train"
2:22

Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

11.
"O let me fold thee in a mother's arms"/"Sweet as sight
2:16

Anne Sofie von Otter, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

12.
"My faithful Hamor, may that Providence"/"All that is in Hamor mine"
3:37

Nigel Robson, Lynne Dawson, Michael Chance, Anne Sofie von Otter, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

13.
"Ye house of Gilead, with one voice"
3:00

The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

14.
Applause
0:18

Nigel Robson, Lynne Dawson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Stephen Varcoe, Ruth Holton, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner

Total Playing Time: 41:59

Here, in another irresistible bargain box from Decca, they draw on a series of distinguished recordings . . . All the best of the usual Handel suspects are to be found here, with conductors of the stature of the late, lamented Sir Charles Mackerras, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Trevor Pinnock, Harry Christophers and Marc Minkowski, amongst others, and too many distinguished singers to mention. This is a feast, and will offer a lifetime of listening pleasure at extremely modest cost.
Record Review / David Mellor, Classic FM (London) / 04. August 2016
. . . there is Sir Charles Mackerras's "Judas Maccabaeus", a fine recording of an underrated masterpiece. Stir in first-class recordings from the late Christopher Hogwood, Paul McCreesh and Marc Minkowski and you've a set to treasure . . . the sound and the balance are universally excellent.
Record Review / David Mellor, Daily Mail (London) / 27. August 2016
Decca célèbre le génie du Haendel londonien . . .
Record Review / Alban Deags, Classiquenews.com / 12. August 2016
. . . [Hogwood] dévoile la furie italienne du génie saxon du jeune Handel à Rome: sa "Resurrezione" offre une synthèse de tous les oratorios italiens baroques qui l'ont précédé. Orchestralement . . . Hogwood cisèle la langue de Handel aussi virtuose que Vivaldi, aussi sensuelle et dramatique que les Vénitiens, autant agile et virtuose que les Napolitains. Instrumentalement, le chef visionnaire prend le temps d'approfondir, de colorer, d'instaurer un climat . . . ["Esther"]: Hogwood signe une lecture ample dramatiquement, ciselée dans son déroulement instrumental avec comme toujours chez lui, une vive attention à la caractérisation du continuo selon les situations. Le chef réussit dès l'ouverture à insuffler une urgence palpitante à l'orchestre, soulignant les enjeux émotionnels de l'action à venir . . . Superbe tenue artistique . . . ["Israel in Egypt"]: Gardiner convainc surtout par ses choeurs bouillonnants d'expressivité cohérente et finement caractérisée . . . ["Messiah"]: Pinnock et ses musiciens de l'English Concert séduisent immédiatement par un sens miraculeux du texte: caractérisation fluide et étonnamment nuancée de l'orchestre, surtout élégance, fluidité et naturel du ténor au sommet de ses possibilités vocales et expressives, le légendaire Howard Crook dans l'un de ses emplois les mieux chantants. Son entrée, récitatif accompagné puis air, sont d'une irrésistible intensité, effusion et narration tendre et habitée par la noblesse du livret de Jennens . . . ["Solomon"]: au service d'une flexibilité souvent chorégraphique, pleine de souple caractérisation, le geste de Paul McCreesh et ses Gabrieli Consort & Players excellent dans un drame hautement moral où aux côtés de la plasticité aimable des choeurs, éblouit une distribution très cohérente sur le plan expressif: la tendresse habitée de Susan Gritton (Reine de Sheba), la basse toute aussi onctueuse et si musicale de Peter Harvey . . . sans omettre le Zadock de grande classe de Paul Agnew, comme le timbre égal, juvénile, éclatant de la haute-contre Andras Scholl, au sommet de ses possibilités vocales, pour la figure axiale de Solomon. Tout cela coule comme une langue naturelle, d'une élégance irrésistible . . .
Record Review / Benjamin Ballifh, Camille de Joyeuse, Elvire James, Lucas Irom, Classiquenews.com / 15. August 2016
L'essentiel est bien là, dans des versions de référence . . . des choeurs et des orchestres de premier rang, et pas un disque superflu.
Record Review / Ivan A. Alexandre, Diapason (Paris) / 01. October 2016
Eblouissant . . . Trevor Pinnock et ses musiciens de l'English Concert séduisent immédiatement par un sens miraculeux du texte: caractérisation fluide et étonnamment nuancée de l'orchestre, surtout élégance, fluidité et naturel du ténor au sommet de ses possibilités vocales et expressives, le légendaire Howard Crook dans l'un de ses emplois les mieux chantants. Son entrée, récitatif accompagné puis air, sont d'une irrésistible intensité, effusion et narration tendre et habitée par la noblesse du livret . . . Eblouissante, d'une virtuosité flexible et toujours nuancée, si proche du texte Arleen Auger éblouit elle aussi . . .
Record Review / Alban Deags, Classiquenews.com / 03. April 2017