Immerse yourself in the divine harmonies of George Frideric Handel's "Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 4," a captivating collection of sacred choral works that showcase the composer's mastery of the English anthem form. This album, released on January 1, 1989, under the Chandos label, features two of Handel's Chandos Anthems, No. 10 and No. 11, performed with precision and passion.
The album opens with "The Lord is my Light" (HWV 255), a nine-movement anthem that draws its text from Psalm 27. The work is a testament to Handel's ability to blend intricate instrumental passages with powerful choral statements. The tenor and chorus alternate in delivering verses that express trust in God's protection and the joy of worship, culminating in a triumphant final chorus.
Following this is "Let God arise" (HWV 256a), an anthem that combines dramatic intensity with moments of serene beauty. The six movements of this work, taken from Psalm 68, feature a mix of chorus and solo voices, including a soprano solo in the fourth movement that adds a touch of ethereal grace.
Throughout the album, Handel's inventive use of orchestration and his skill in setting English text to music are evident. The performances on this recording are marked by their clarity and vitality, making it a compelling addition to any classical music collection. With a total runtime of 49 minutes, this album offers a concise yet rich exploration of Handel's sacred choral repertoire.
Tracks
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": I. SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": II. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Ian Partridge
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": III. Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall my heart not beGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": IV. One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Ian Partridge
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": V. I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness, I will siGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": VI. For who is God but the Lord? (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": VII. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart has trusted in him anGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Ian Partridge
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": VIII. It is the Lord that ruleth the sea, the Lord sitteth above the waterGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Lynne Dawson
Chandos Anthem No. 10, HWV 255, "The Lord is my Light": IX. Sing praises unto the Lord, O ye saints of his (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": I. SonataGeorge Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": II. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattr'd (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": III. Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away (Tenor)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Ian Partridge
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": IV. Let the righteous be glad, and rejoice before God (Soprano)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen, Lynne Dawson
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": V. O sing unto God, and sing praises unto his name (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Chandos Anthem No. 11, HWV 256a, "Let God arise": VI. Praised be the Lord! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
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