Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Esther, HWV 50b," a magnificent choral and operatic masterpiece released on SOMM Recordings. This captivating album, spanning nearly two hours, offers a rich and immersive journey through Handel's exquisite composition, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend sacred and secular themes into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole.
"Esther, HWV 50b" is a semi-opera based on the biblical story of Esther, a tale of courage, faith, and divine intervention. Handel's score is a testament to his mastery of the Baroque style, featuring intricate orchestration, soaring arias, and powerful choral passages that highlight the dramatic and spiritual depth of the narrative. The album's extensive tracklist includes a variety of solos, duets, and choral pieces, each contributing to the overall grandeur and emotional impact of the work.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists who bring Handel's music to life with their exceptional artistry and technical prowess. From the tender and introspective arias to the triumphant and jubilant choruses, every performance is imbued with a sense of passion and devotion that resonates deeply with the listener. The orchestral accompaniment is equally impressive, providing a rich and vibrant backdrop that enhances the overall listening experience.
"Esther, HWV 50b" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a profound exploration of faith, redemption, and the human spirit. Handel's genius shines through in every note, creating a work that is both timeless and timelessly relevant. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Handel, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Tracks
Esther, HWV 50b: Overture. Andante - Larghetto - AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Breathe soft ye gales (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Watchful angels (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: O King of kings, celestial Lord! (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Alleluia (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: With transport, lovely queen (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: So much beauty sweetly blooming (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Again shall Salem, to the skies (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: My heart is inditing (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Kings' daughters (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Upon the right hand (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 1: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 2: Let me with freedom thy petition know (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 2: Endless fame (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 3: 'Tis greater far to spare (Harbonah)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Angus Smith, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 3: Pluck root and branch (Harman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Christopher Purves, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 3: Our souls with ardour glow (Officer)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Christopher Watson, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 3: Shall we the God of Israel fear (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 4: Jerusalem no more shall mourn (First Israelite)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Andrew Kennedy, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 4: Tune your harps to cheerful strains (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 4: Shall we of servitude complain (Second Israelite)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Cecilia Osmond, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 4: Praise the Lord with cheerful noise (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 5: How have our sins provok'd the Lord! (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 5: Ye sons of Israel, mourn (Chorus) [1]George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 5: O Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide! (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act I Scene 5: Ye sons of Israel, mourn (Chorus) [2]George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 1: Tyrants may awhile presume (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: Why sits that sorrow on thy brow? (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: Dread not, righteous Queen (Modecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: O heaven, protect her (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: Duet. Blessings descend on downy wings (Israelite Woman, Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: I go, the pow'r of grief to prove (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Rosemary Joshua, Laurence Cummings, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: Tears assist me, pity moving (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Rosemary Joshua, Laurence Cummings, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 2: Save us, O Lord! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 3: Who dares intrude into our presence (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 3: Duet. Who calls my parting soul from death? (Esther, Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 3: O beauteous queen, unclose those eyes (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 3: I find favour in thy sight (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 3: How can I stay when love invites? (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 4: With inward joy his visage glows (First Israelite)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Andrew Kennedy, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 4: Heav'n has lent her ev'ry charm (Israelite Woman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rebecca Outram, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 4: The king will listen to the royal fair (First Israelite)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Andrew Kennedy, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act II Scene 4: Blessed are they that fear the Lord (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 1: Jehovah crown'd with glory bright (Mordecai)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Susan Bickley, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 1: He comes! He comes to end our woes (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, London Handel Choir, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 2: Now O my queen, thy suit declare (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 2: Turn not, O queen, thy face away (Haman)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Christopher Purves, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 2: Flatt'ring tongue, no more I hear thee (Esther)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, Rosemary Joshua, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 2: Guards, seize the traitor (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
Esther, HWV 50b, Act III Scene 2: Through the nation he shall be (Ahasuerus)George Frideric Handel, Laurence Cummings, James Bowman, The London Handel Orchestra
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