George Frideric Handel's "Israel in Egypt" is a monumental oratorio that masterfully blends the grandeur of opera with the spiritual depth of choral music. Released on October 24, 2025, under the prestigious Alpha Classics label, this album is a testament to Handel's compositional genius and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, the album is divided into three parts, each narrating a pivotal moment in the biblical story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
The first part, "Symphony," sets the stage with a dramatic overture, while the second part, "Exodus," vividly recounts the ten plagues and the Israelites' liberation from bondage. The third part, "Moses' Song," culminates in a triumphant celebration of God's deliverance. The album features a rich tapestry of solo arias, duets, and choral pieces, showcasing Handel's mastery of both dramatic and lyrical expression. The choral writing, in particular, is a highlight, with its intricate harmonies and dynamic contrasts.
Handel's "Israel in Egypt" is not just a musical work but a profound exploration of faith, redemption, and the human spirit. The album's choral and operatic elements make it a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. With its powerful storytelling and stunning musical craftsmanship, this album is a true gem in Handel's extensive repertoire.
2025 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France2025 Le Concert Spirituel & Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France
Tracks
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54: SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 1, Recitative. Now There Arose a New King Over EgyptGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 2, Solo and Chorus. And the Children of Israel SighedGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 3, Recitative. Then Sent He MosesGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 4, Chorus. They Loathed to Drink of the RiverGeorge Frideric Handel, Myriam Leblanc, Lucie Edel, Lena Sutor-Wernich, Laurence Kilsby, Andreas Wolf, Alexandre Baldo, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 5, Air. Their Land Brought Forth FrogsGeorge Frideric Handel, Lena Sutor-Wernich, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 6, Chorus. He Spake the WordGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 7, Chorus. He Gave Them Hailstones for RainGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 8, Chorus. He Sent a Thick DarknessGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 9, Chorus. He Smote All the First-Born of EgyptGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 10, Chorus. But as for His PeopleGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 11, Chorus. Egypt Was Glad When They DepartedGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 12, Chorus. He Rebuked the Red SeaGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. II, "Exodus": No. 13, Chorus. And Israel Saw That Great WorkGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 1, Moses's Song. Introitus. Moses, and the Children of IsraelGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 2, Duet. The Lord Is My StrengthGeorge Frideric Handel, Myriam Leblanc, Lucie Edel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 3, Chorus. He Is My GodGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 4, Duet. The Lord Is a Man of WarGeorge Frideric Handel, Andreas Wolf, Alexandre Baldo, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 5, Chorus. The Depths Have Covered ThemGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 6, Chorus. Thy Right HandGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 7, Chorus. And with the Blast of Thy NostrilsGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 8, Air. The Enemy SaidGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 9, Air (Soprano). Thou Didst Blow with the WindGeorge Frideric Handel, Myriam Leblanc, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 10, Chorus. Who Is Like unto TheeGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 11, Duet. Thou in Thy MercyGeorge Frideric Handel, Lena Sutor-Wernich, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 12, Chorus. The People Shall HearGeorge Frideric Handel, Lena Sutor-Wernich, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 13, Air. Thou Shalt Bring Them InGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 14, Chorus. The Lord Shall ReignGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 15, Recitative. For the Horse of PharoahGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 16, Chorus. The Lord Shall ReignGeorge Frideric Handel, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 17, Recitative. And Miriam the ProphetessGeorge Frideric Handel, Laurence Kilsby, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54, Pt. III, "Moses' Song": No. 18, Solo and Chorus. Sing Ye to the LordGeorge Frideric Handel, Myriam Leblanc, Lucie Niquet, Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet
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