Dive into the opulent world of Baroque opera with George Frideric Handel's "Semele," a stunning three-act oratorio that showcases the composer's mastery of dramatic music. Released in 1993 by Deutsche Grammophon, this album is a testament to Handel's genius, featuring a rich tapestry of arias, duets, and choruses that bring the mythological tale of Semele to life.
"Semele" is a sumptuous masterpiece that tells the story of the beautiful but vain Semele, who finds herself entangled in a dangerous love affair with Jupiter. As Juno, Jupiter's wife, seeks revenge, the drama unfolds through Handel's lush and expressive music. The album features a stellar cast of singers, each bringing their unique talents to the roles, and the English Chamber Orchestra provides a vibrant and authentic accompaniment.
The album spans nearly two hours, with each act featuring a series of arias and ensembles that highlight Handel's gift for melody and harmony. From the stirring overtures that open each act to the tender duets and powerful choruses, "Semele" is a feast for the ears. The album includes beloved arias such as "Where'er You Walk" and "With Fond Desiring," as well as dramatic ensembles like "You've Undone Me / With My Life I Would Atone."
Conducted by John Nelson, this recording is praised for its vitality and freshness, with Nelson's dynamic direction bringing out the best in the orchestra and soloists. The album features renowned artists such as Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, and Michael Chance, each delivering performances that are both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
"Semele" is not just an album; it's an immersive experience that transports the listener to the world of ancient mythology and Baroque opera. The album's rich orchestration, stunning vocal performances, and dramatic storytelling make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Semele" is an essential addition to any classical music collection.
Tracks
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Behold! Auspicious Flashes AriseGeorge Frideric Handel, Mark S. Doss, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Lucky Omens Bless Our RitesGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Daughter, ObeyGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Ah! Ne! - O Jove!George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: The Morning Lark To Mine Accords His NoteGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: See She Blushing Turns Her EyesGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Hymen, Haste, Thy Torch PrepareGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Alas! She Yields, And Has Undone MeGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Why Dost Thou Thus Untimely Grieve?George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, Samuel Ramey, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Avert These OmensGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Again Auspicious Flashes RiseGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Thy Aid, Pronubial Juno, Athamas Implores!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Cease Your VowsGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: O Athamas, What Toture Hast Thou Borne!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Turn, Hopeless Lover, Turn Thy EyesGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: She Weeps!George Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Your Tuneful Voice My Tale Would TellGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Too Well I See, Thou Wilt Not Understand MeGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: You've Undone Me / With My Life I Would AtoneGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Ah, Wretched Prince / Wing'd With Our Fears /O Prodigy/See, See, Jove's PriestsGeorge Frideric Handel, Michael Chance, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Hail Cadmus!George Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 1: Endless Pleasure...George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Iris, Impatient Of Thy StayGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: There From Mortal Cares RetiringGeorge Frideric Handel, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: No More - I'll Hear No More! / Awake Saturnia...George Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Hence, Iris, Hence AwayGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Oh Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me?George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Let Me Not Another MomentGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Lay Your Doubts And Fears AsideGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: You Are Mortal And Require Time To RestGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: With Fond DesiringGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: How Engaging, How EndearingGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Ah Me! Why Sighs My Semele!George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: I Must With Speed Amuse HerGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Now Love That Everlasting Boy InvitesGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: By My CommandGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Where'er You WalkGeorge Frideric Handel, John Aler, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Dear SisterGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: But Hark! The Heavenly SphereGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Prepare Then, Ye Immortal ChoirGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Kathleen Battle, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 2: Bless The Glad EarthGeorge Frideric Handel, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Somnus, AwakeGeorge Frideric Handel, Marilyn Horne, Sylvia McNair, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Leave Me, Loathsome LightGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Dull GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Sylvia McNair, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: More Sweet Is That NameGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: My Will ObeyGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
Semele, HWV 58 / Act 3: Obey My Will / All I Must GrantGeorge Frideric Handel, Samuel Ramey, Marilyn Horne, English Chamber Orchestra, John Nelson
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