Stephanie Blythe, the renowned mezzo-soprano, delivers a captivating performance in "Handel & Bach: Arias," released on November 6, 2001, under Warner Classics. This operatic album spans a little over an hour, showcasing Blythe's extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth through a selection of arias from Handel's operas and Bach's sacred works.
The album opens with a poignant accompagnato from Handel's "Serse," followed by the famous Largo, "Ombra mai fù," a testament to Blythe's ability to convey both power and tenderness. She navigates through various roles, from the tormented Dejanira in "Hercules" to the regal Juno in "Semele," each aria showcasing her versatility and mastery of Baroque style.
Blythe's interpretation of roles from Handel's "Giulio Cesare in Egitto" is particularly noteworthy. Her portrayal of Cesare is both commanding and vulnerable, as seen in arias like "Al lampo dell' armi" and "Aure, deh, per pietà." The duet "Son nata a lagrimar," performed with an unnamed singer, adds a layer of dramatic intensity to the album.
The second half of the album features arias from Bach's passions and the Mass in B Minor. Blythe's renditions of "Erbarme dich" from the St. Matthew Passion and "Es ist vollbracht" from the St. John Passion are deeply moving, showcasing her ability to connect with the spiritual and emotional core of Bach's music. The album concludes with the Agnus Dei from the Mass in B Minor, a serene and reflective end to a remarkable collection.
"Handel & Bach: Arias" is a testament to Stephanie Blythe's artistry, offering a rich and varied exploration of Baroque vocal music. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a rewarding listen, highlighting Blythe's exceptional talent and the enduring power of these masterpieces.
Tracks
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1, Scene 1: Accompagnato. "Frondi tenere" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1: Largo. "Ombra mai fù" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
Handel: Hercules, HWV 60, Act 3: Accompagnato. "Where shall I fly!" (Dejanira)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Semele, HWV 58, Act 2: Accompagnato. "Awake, Saturnia, from thy lethargy!" (Juno)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Semele, HWV 58, Act 2: Air. "Hence, Iris hence away" (Juno)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 2: Aria. "Al lampo dell' armi" (Cesare)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 3: Recitativo. "Dall'ondoso periglio" - Aria. "Aure, deh, per pietà" (Cesare)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 1: Aria. "Presti omai l'Egizia terra" (Cesare)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Handel: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 1: Recitativo. "Madre! Mia vita!" - Duetto. "Son nata a lagrimar" (Sesto, Cornelia)George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, David Daniels, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, Martin Isepp, Stephanie Blythe
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. "Erbarme dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 52, Aria. "Können Tränen meinen Wangen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Bach, JS: Johannes-Passion, BWV 245, Pt. 1: No. 7, Aria. "Von den Stricken"Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Bach, JS: Johannes-Passion, BWV 245, Pt. 2: No. 30, Aria. "Es ist vollbracht"Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, John Nelson
Bach, JS: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Agnus DeiJohann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Orchestre de chambre de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
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