Mary Bevan, the acclaimed British soprano, presents a captivating journey through the world of Handel's heroines with her album "Handel's Queens." Released on July 5, 2019, under the Signum Records label, this choral masterpiece spans an impressive two hours and seven minutes, offering a rich and immersive exploration of Handel's operatic and vocal works.
The album features a stunning array of arias and recitatives from some of Handel's most renowned operas, including "Ariodante," "Giulio Cesare," "Alessandro," and "Admeto," among others. Mary Bevan's exquisite voice shines as she brings to life the dramatic and emotional depths of these iconic characters. Her interpretation is both powerful and nuanced, showcasing her exceptional vocal range and artistic sensitivity.
"Handel's Queens" is not just a collection of songs but a carefully curated selection that highlights the strength, resilience, and complexity of Handel's female characters. From the fierce determination of Ottone in "Ottone, HWV 15" to the tender vulnerability of Astianatte in "Astianatte," Bevan's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. Each piece is a testament to her ability to convey the essence of these characters with unparalleled grace and passion.
The album also includes lesser-known works such as "Scanderbeg" and "La Libertà," providing a fresh perspective on Handel's repertoire. Bevan's rendition of "Dea triforme, astro fecondo" from "L’Elpidia, HWV A1" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her versatility and mastery of the Baroque style.
Accompanied by the Orchestra of Jiri Barta, Mary Bevan delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. The orchestration is rich and dynamic, perfectly complementing Bevan's vocal prowess and enhancing the overall listening experience.
"Handel's Queens" is a celebration of Handel's genius and Mary Bevan's extraordinary talent. It is an album that will captivate fans of classical music and those new to the genre alike, offering a profound and enriching exploration of Handel's operatic legacy.
Tracks
Ariodante: SinfoniaCarlo Pollarolo, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17: Da tempeste il legno infrantoGeorge Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Dalisa: Se fosse il mio dilettoJohann Adolf Hasse, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Ottone, HWV 15: Recit: È tale Otton? – Aria: Falsa immagineGeorge Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Poro: Son prigioniera d’amoreNicola Porpora, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Nerone: Stelle, tiranne stelleGiuseppe Maria Orlandini, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Alessandro, HWV 21: Solitudini amateGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Ariodante: Serba le belle lagrimeCarlo Pollarolo, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Tolomeo, HWV 25: Recit: Elisa che ricerchi – Aria: Voglio amoreGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Scanderbeg, RV. 732: Fra catene ognor penandoAntonio Vivaldi, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Scanderbeg, RV. 732: Nelle mie selve natìeAntonio Vivaldi, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Alessandro, HWV 21: Placa l’almaGeorge Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Scipione, HWV 20: Scoglio d’immota fronteGeorge Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Amadis di Grecia: Recit: La sua disperazione – Aria: Se a ammollire il crudo amantePietro Torri, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Admeto, HWV 22: Gelosia, spietata AlettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Il Ciro Riconosciuto: Quel nome se ascoltoLeonardo Leo, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Riccardo Primo, HWV 23: Il. volo così fido al dolceGeorge Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Alessandro, HWV 21: Alla sua gabbia d’oroGeorge Frideric Handel, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Astianatte: Sento che già il pensierGiovanni Bononcini, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Astianatte: Deh! lascia o coreGiovanni Bononcini, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Astianatte: MenuetGiovanni Bononcini, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Astianatte: Ascolta o figlioGiovanni Bononcini, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
L’Elpidia, HWV A1: Dea triforme, astro fecondoLeonardo Vinci, George Frideric Handel, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Artaserse: Mi credi spietata?Johann Adolf Hasse, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
Caio Marzio Coriolano: Rendi al Padre in me la figliaAttilio Ariosti, Lucy Crowe, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
La Libertà: Cantata (Aria di camera)Maurice Greene, Mary Bevan, Bridget Cunningham, London Early Opera
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