Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Acis and Galatea," a pastoral masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries. This enchanting work, composed with an English libretto by John Gay, is a delightful blend of serenity and drama, perfect for those seeking a respite from the everyday. The album, released in 2019 under the CORO label, features a full performance of Handel's HWV 49a, spanning a captivating 88 minutes.
"Acis and Galatea" is a serene pastoral tale that follows the love story of the beautiful nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis. Their idyllic world is disrupted by the one-eyed giant Polyphemus, whose unrequited love for Galatea leads to tragic consequences. Handel's score, with its lush orchestration and sublime choral writing, brings this story to life with unparalleled grace and power.
The album showcases a rich tapestry of arias, duets, and choruses that highlight Handel's genius for melody and harmony. From the opening "Sinfonia" to the poignant final chorus, each track is a testament to Handel's enduring appeal. Standout moments include the charming "O, The Pleasure Of The Plains!" chorus, the tender duet "Happy We!" and the dramatic aria "I Rage — I Melt — I Burn!" sung by Polyphemus.
This recording is a faithful representation of Handel's original vision, featuring a stellar cast of soloists and the renowned choir and orchestra, The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers. The performance is brought to life with a warm and detailed sound, allowing every nuance of Handel's score to shine through.
Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Handel's music, "Acis and Galatea" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Let the soaring melodies and rich harmonies of this pastoral masterpiece transport you to a world of beauty and drama.
Tracks
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: O, The Pleasure Of The Plains! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Ye Verdant Plains (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Hush, Ye Pretty Warbling Quire! (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Where Shall I Seek The Charming Fair? (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Stay, Shepherd, Stay! - Shepherd, What Art Thou Pursuing? (Damon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Mark Dobell
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Lo, Here My Love - Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Oh, Didst Thou Know The Pains - As When The Dove (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Happy We! (Galatea, Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Wretched Lovers! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: I Rage — I Melt — I Burn! (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: O Ruddier Than The Cherry (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Whither, Fairest (Polyphemus, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Cease To Beauty To Be Suing (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Would You Gain The Tender Creature (Coridon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: His Hideous Love - Love Sounds Th'alarm (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Consider, Fond Shepherd (Damon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Mark Dobell
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Cease, Oh Cease (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: The Flocks Shall Leave The Mountains (Galatea, Acis, Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Help, Galatea! (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Mourn, All Ye Muses! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Must I My Acis Still Bemoan - 'Tis Done! (Galatea, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Heart, The Seat Of Soft Delight (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Galatea, Dry Thy Tears (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Acis and Galatea" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
