Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of George Frideric Handel with the 2013 release of "Handel: Belshazzar" by Les Arts Florissants. This captivating album is a stunning rendition of Handel's oratorio HWV 61, a masterpiece that blends the grandeur of classical music with the intensity of opera and the power of choral performance.
Spanning nearly two and a half hours, this album is a testament to Handel's compositional genius. The tracklist is a journey through the biblical story of Belshazzar, filled with arias, choruses, recitatives, and symphonies that showcase the full range of Handel's musical prowess. From the triumphant "O Glorious Prince! Thrice Happy They" to the solemn "I Will Magnify Thee, O God My King," each piece is a gem that highlights the emotional depth and narrative power of Handel's work.
The album is a collaboration of talented musicians and vocalists who bring Handel's score to life with precision and passion. The choral performances are particularly noteworthy, with powerful ensembles that convey the grandeur and drama of the story. The solo arias are equally impressive, showcasing the technical skill and emotional range of the performers.
"Handel: Belshazzar" is not just an album; it's an experience. The intricate orchestration, the rich harmonies, and the compelling storytelling make it a standout in the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Handel or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a profound and engaging exploration of one of the greatest composers in history.
Tracks
Belshazzar, HWV 61: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Accompagnato ed Arioso: "Vain Fluctuating State of Human Empire!"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Thou, God Most High, and Thou Alone"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "The Fate of Babylon, I Fear, Is Nigh.", "O Much Belov'd"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Air: "Lament Not Thus, O Queen, in Vain!"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus of Babylonians: "Behold By Persia'S Hero Made"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "Well May They Laugh, from Meagre Famine Safe" - Accompagnato: "Oh Memory"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Jonathan Lemalu
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Opprest With Never Ceasing Grief"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Jonathan Lemalu
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Dry Those Unavailing Tears"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "Be Comforted: Safe Tho' the Tyrant Seem" - Accompagnato: "Methought, As On the Bank of Deep Euphrates"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Behold the Monstrous Human Beast"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Jonathan Lemalu
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "Can You Then Think It Strange, If Drown'd in Wine" - Aria: "Great God! Who Yet But Darkly Known"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus: "All Empires Upon God Depend"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Arioso: "O Sacred Oracles of Truth!" - Aria: "Amaz'd to Find the Foe So Near" - Chorus of Persians: "to Arms, to Arms, No More Delay"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Accompagnato: "Rejoice, My Countrymen: the Time Draws Near" - Recitative: "For Long Ago" - Accompagnato: "Thus Saith the Lord to Cyrus His Anointed"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus: "Sing, O Ye Heav'Ns, for the Lord Hath Done It"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Let Festal Joy Triumphant Reign" - Recitative: "For You, My Friends, the Nobles of My Court"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "The Leafy Honours of the Field"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "It Is the Custom; I May Say, the Law"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus of Jews: "Recall, O King, Thy Rash Command"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "They Tell You True; Nor Can You Be to Learn"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Duet: "O Dearer Than My Life, Forbear"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus of Jews: "By Slow Degrees the Wrath of God to Its Meridian Height Ascends"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus: "See, from His Post Euphrates Flies!" - Semichorus: "Why Faithless River Dost Thou Leave" - Semichorus: "Euphrates Hath His Task Fulfil'd" - Chorus: "Of Things On Earth, Proud Man Must Own"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "You See, My Friends, a Path Into the City" - Aria: "Amaz'd to Find the Foe So Near" - Chorus of Persians: "to Arms, to Arms, No More Delay"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus: "Ye Tutelar Gods of Our Empire, Look Down"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Let the Deep Bowl Thy Praise Confess"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Accompagnato and Chorus: "Where Is the God of Judah'S Boasted Pow'R?" - Recitative: "Call All Our Wisemen, Sorcerers, Chaldeans"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton
Belshazzar, HWV 61: SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative "Ye Sages, Welcome Always to Your King" - Trio: "Alas! Too Hard a Task the King Imposes" - Chorus: "O Misery! O Terror! Hopeless Grief!"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Recitative: "O King, Live for Ever!" - Aria: "No: to Thyself Thy Trifles Be"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Accompagnato: "Yet to Obey His Dread Command", "Thou, O King, Hast Lifted Up Thyself" - Recitative: "O Sentence Too Severe! and Yet Too Sure!"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Regard, O Son, My Flowing Tears"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "O God of Truth! O Faithful Guide!" - Recitative: "You, Gobrias, Lead Directly to the Palace"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus: "O Glorious Prince! Thrice Happy They"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Alternate Hopes and Fears Distract My Mind" - Recitative: "Fain Would I Hope. Is There Not Room to Hope?"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Can the Black Æthiop Change His Skin?" Recitative "My Hopes Revive, Here Arioch Comes: By This"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Chorus of Jews: "Bel Boweth Down! Nebo Stoopeth!"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "I Thank Thee, Sesach, Thy Sweet Pow'R" - a Martial SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Allan Clayton
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "To Pow'R Immortal My First Thanks Are Due" - Recitative: "Be It Thy Care, Good Gobrias, to Find Out"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Jonathan Lemalu
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Aria: "Destructive War Thy Limits Know"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Duett: "Great Victor, At Your Feet I Bow" - Recitative: "Say, Venerable Prophet, Is There Ought"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Rosemary Joshua, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Soli and Chorus: "Tell It Out Among the Heathen, That the Lord Is King."George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup, Jonathan Lemalu, Iestyn Davies
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Accompagnato: "Yes, I Will Build Thy City, God of Israel"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Caitlin Hulcup
Belshazzar, HWV 61: Anthem: "I Will Magnify Thee, O God My King,"George Frideric Handel, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants, Iestyn Davies, Rosemary Joshua
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