Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of George Frideric Handel's "Alcina, HWV 34," a timeless masterpiece that showcases the composer's unparalleled genius in the realm of opera. This two-act opera, recorded in 1986 and released under the Warner Classics label, is a testament to Handel's ability to blend intricate orchestration with deeply moving vocal performances.
Spanning over two hours and twenty-one minutes, "Alcina" is a rich tapestry of arias, recitatives, and choral pieces that bring to life the dramatic tale of the sorceress Alcina and her complex relationships with those around her. The opera is a stunning display of Handel's compositional prowess, featuring a diverse range of musical styles and moods that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
The album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, offering a comprehensive exploration of Handel's work. The intricate overture, with its Musette and Menuet sections, sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the story. The arias, such as "Di te mi rido" and "Sì, son quella!" are performed with such passion and technical skill that they highlight the depth of the characters and the emotional core of the opera.
The choral pieces, like "Questo è il cielo de' contenti," add a layer of grandeur and spectacle, showcasing the full power of the orchestra and the choir. The ballet sequences, with their elegant Gavottes and Sarabandes, provide moments of respite and reflection, allowing the listener to appreciate the full scope of Handel's musical vision.
"Alcina" is not just an opera; it is a journey through the human experience, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Handel's ability to convey these complex emotions through music is what makes "Alcina" a timeless classic. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1: Overture. MusetteGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1: Overture. MenuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 1: Recitativo. "Oh Dei! quivi non scorgo" (Bradamante, Melisso, Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 1: Aria. "O s'apre al riso" (Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Coro. "Questo è il cielo de' contenti" - Gavotte - Sarabande - Menuet & Gavotte (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Opera Stage Chorus, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Ballet. Gavotte IGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Ballet. SarabandeGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Ballet. Gavotte I da capoGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Ballet. MenuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Ballet. Gavotte IIGeorge Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Recitativo. "Ecco l'infido" (Bradamante, Melisso, Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 2: Aria. "Di', cor mio" (Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 3: Recitativo. "Generosi guerrier" (Oberto, Melisso, Bradamante)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, Patrizia Kwella, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 3: "Chi m'insegna il caro padre?" (Oberto)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Patrizia Kwella, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 4: Recitativo. "Mi ravvisi" (Bradamante, Ruggiero, Melisso)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 4: Aria. "Di te mi rido" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 5: Recitativo. "Qua dunque ne veniste" - Recitativo. "Io sono tua difesa" (Oronte, Bradamante, Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, Kathleen Kuhlmann, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 6: Aria. "È gelosia" (Bradamante)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 7: Recitativo. "Io dunque" (Oronte, Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 7: Recitativo. "La cerco in vano" (Ruggiero, Oronte)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 8: Aria. "Semplicetto!" (Oronte)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 9: Recitativo. "Ah, infedele, infedel!" - "Regina il tuo soggiorno" (Ruggiero, Alcina, Bradamante)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, Della Jones, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 10: Aria. "Sì, son quella!" (Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 11: Recitativo. "Se nemico mi fossi" - "Bradamante favella?" (Bradamante, Ruggiero, Melisso)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 12: Aria. "La bocca vaga" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1, Scene 13: Recitativo. "A quai strani perigli" - Recitativo. "Fuggi cor mio" (Melisso, Morgana, Bradamante)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, John Tomlinson, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 1: Aria. "Tornami a vagheggiar" (Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 1: Arioso e recitativo. "Col celarvi" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 1: Recitativo. "Taci, taci, codardo" (Melisso, Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, John Tomlinson, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 1: Arioso. "Qual portento mi richiama" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 1: Recitativo. "Atlante, dove sei?" (Ruggiero, Melisso)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, John Tomlinson, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 1: Aria. "Pensa a chi geme" (Melisso)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, John Tomlinson, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 2: Recitativo. "Qual'odio ingiusto contro me?" (Bradamante, Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 2: Aria. "Vorrei vendicarmi" (Bradamante)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 3: Recitativo. "Chi scopre al mio pensiero" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 3: Aria. "Mi lusinga il dolce affetto" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 4: Recitativo. "S'acquieti il rio sospetto" - "E la tua pace" (Morgana, Alcina, Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, Della Jones, Eiddwen Harrhy, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 5: Aria. "Ama, sospira" (Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 6: Recitativo. "Non scorgo nel tuo viso" (Alcina, Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 6: Aria. "Mio bel tesoro" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 7: Recitativo. "Regina, io cerco in vano" (Oberto, Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, Patrizia Kwella, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 7: Aria. "Tra speme e timore" (Oberto)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Patrizia Kwella, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 8: Recitativo. "Regina, sei tradita" (Oronte, Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 8: Aria. "Ah! mio cor!" (Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 9: Recitativo. "Or, che dici, Morgana?" - "All'offesa" (Oronte, Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Eiddwen Harrhy, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 10: Aria. "È un folle" (Oronte)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Maldwyn Davies, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 12: Recitativo. "Eccomi a' piedi tuoi" (Ruggiero, Bradamante, Morgana)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, Eiddwen Harrhy, Kathleen Kuhlmann, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 12: Aria. "Verdi prati, selve amene" (Ruggiero)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Della Jones, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
Handel: Alcina, HWV 34, Act 2, Scene 13: Accompagnato. "Ah! Ruggiero crudel" (Alcina)George Frideric Handel, Richard Hickox, Arleen Auger, City Of London Baroque Sinfonia
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