Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Esther," a seminal work in the oratorio genre. Released on September 6, 1985, by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a masterful blend of classical, choral, and operatic elements, showcasing Handel's unparalleled compositional prowess. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, "Esther" is not just an album but a journey through the rich tapestry of Baroque music, featuring the renowned Westminster Cathedral Boys Choir and the Academy of Ancient Music under the skilled direction of Christopher Hogwood.
"Esther," HWV 50, is celebrated as the first English oratorio, a testament to Handel's innovative spirit and his ability to weave profound narratives through music. The album's tracklist is a vivid portrayal of the biblical story of Esther, with each scene meticulously crafted to evoke a range of emotions and atmospheres. From the stirring "Ouverture" to the poignant "Ye sons of Israel mourn" and the triumphant "The Lord our enemy has slain," every piece is a testament to Handel's genius and the enduring power of his music.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including Emma Kirkby, Patrizia Kwella, Drew Minter, and Anthony Rolfe Johnson, whose voices bring the characters to life with remarkable depth and nuance. The production, overseen by producer and recording engineer Peter Wadland, ensures that every note is captured with clarity and precision, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the intricacies of Handel's score.
"Esther" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive musical narrative that transports the listener to a world of grandeur and drama. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the world of Handel and discover the timeless elegance of "Esther," a work that continues to captivate audiences more than three centuries after its creation.
Tracks
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 1: Ouverture..."Tis greater far to spare"George Frideric Handel, David Thomas, Andrew King, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 1: "Pluck root and branch from out the land"George Frideric Handel, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 1: "Shall we the God of Israel fear?"George Frideric Handel, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 2: "Tune your harps to cheerful strains"George Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood, Paul Elliott
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 2: "Shall we of servitude complain"George Frideric Handel, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 2: "Praise the Lord with cheerful noise"George Frideric Handel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 2: "Sing songs of praise, bow down the knee"George Frideric Handel, Andrew King, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 3: "Ye sons of Israel mourn"George Frideric Handel, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 3: "O Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide"George Frideric Handel, Drew Minter, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 4: "Dread not, righteous Queen, the danger"George Frideric Handel, Patrizia Kwella, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 4: "Tears assist me, pity moving"George Frideric Handel, Ian Partridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 4: "Save us, O Lord"George Frideric Handel, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "Who dares intrude into our presence"George Frideric Handel, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "Who calls my parting soul from death?"George Frideric Handel, Patrizia Kwella, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "O beauteous Queen"...Recit:"If I find favour"George Frideric Handel, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Patrizia Kwella, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "How can I stay when love invites"George Frideric Handel, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "Virtue, truth and innocence"George Frideric Handel, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 5: "Jehovah, crown'd with glory bright"George Frideric Handel, Drew Minter, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 6: "Turn not, O Queen, thy face away"George Frideric Handel, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 6: "Flatt'ring tongue, no more I hear thee!"George Frideric Handel, Patrizia Kwella, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 6: "How art thou fall'n from thy height!"George Frideric Handel, David Thomas, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 6: "The Lord our enemy has slain"George Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
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