Joyce DiDonato, the acclaimed American mezzo-soprano, presents "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music," a deeply personal and compelling exploration of the human experience through the lens of opera. Released on November 4, 2016, under Erato/Warner Classics, this album is a testament to DiDonato's artistry and her commitment to using music as a force for unity and understanding.
The album is a journey through 15 exquisite arias, divided into two distinct sections: "War" and "Peace." Each section is a tapestry of emotions, woven with masterful compositions by Baroque giants George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell, among others. DiDonato is joined by her longtime collaborators, the ensemble Il Pomo d'Oro, and conductor Maxim Emelyanychev, creating a harmonious blend of vocal prowess and orchestral brilliance.
"In War & Peace" is not just a collection of songs; it's a narrative that resonates with timeless themes of conflict and resolution, struggle and solace. The "War" section delves into the turmoil and turmoil of human experience, while the "Peace" section offers moments of reflection and tranquility. DiDonato's powerful and nuanced performances bring each character to life, making the stories profoundly relatable.
From the haunting beauty of Handel's "Lascia ch'io pianga" to the poignant "When I Am Laid in Earth" by Purcell, the album is a showcase of DiDonato's extraordinary range and emotional depth. The inclusion of lesser-known works, such as those by Niccolò Jommelli and Claudio Monteverdi, adds a layer of discovery and richness to the listening experience.
With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music" is a captivating exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful music ever composed. It's a testament to Joyce DiDonato's artistry and her belief in the power of music to bridge divides and foster harmony.
Handel: Jephtha, HWV 70, Act 1: "Some dire event hangs o'er our heads... Scenes of horror, scenes of woe" (Storgè)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Leo: Andromaca, Act 1: "Prendi quel ferro, o barbaro!" (Andromaca)Leonardo Leo, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Handel: Giulio Cesare, HWV 17, Act 1: "Vani sono i lamenti... Svegliatevi nel core" (Sesto)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act IV: "They Tell Us" - Fourth Act Tune - "To Suffer for Him" (Orazia)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Handel: Agrippina, HWV 6, Act 2: "Pensieri, voi mi tormentate" (Agrippina)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Magdalena Karolak, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Recitative. "Thy Hand, Belinda" - Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Purcell: Bonduca, or the British Heroine, Z. 574, Act 5: "Oh! Lead Me to Some Peaceful Gloom" (Bonvica)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Handel: Rinaldo, HWV 7, Act 1: "Augelletti che cantate" (Almirena)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Anna Fusek, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Jommelli: Attilio Regolo, Act 2: "Sprezza il furor del vento" (Regolo)Niccolò Jommelli, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630: Prologue. "Why Should Men Quarrel" (Indian Girl)Henry Purcell, Joyce DiDonato, Il Pomo D'oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
Jommelli: Attilio Regolo, Act 1: "Par che di giubilo" (Attilia)Niccolò Jommelli, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Handel: Susanna, HWV 66, Act 2: "Lead me, oh lead me to some cool retreat.... Crystal streams in murmurs flowing" (Susanna)George Frideric Handel, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
Monteverdi: Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria, Act 5: "Illustratevi, o cieli" (Penelope)Claudio Monteverdi, Joyce DiDonato, Maxim Emelyanychev, Il Pomo D'oro
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