Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of George Frideric Handel's "Acis and Galatea," a masterful blend of classical elegance and operatic grandeur. Released on February 1, 2019, under the CORO label, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring genius, offering a rich tapestry of choral and operatic artistry that spans a captivating 1 hour and 28 minutes.
"Acis and Galatea" is a pastoral opera that tells the tragic love story of the shepherd Acis and the nymph Galatea, set against the backdrop of idyllic landscapes and mythical encounters. The album features a stunning array of vocal performances, with each track showcasing the depth and range of Handel's compositional prowess. From the lively and joyful choruses to the tender and melancholic arias, every piece is a gem that highlights the emotional depth and musical brilliance of this baroque masterpiece.
The album opens with the lively "Sinfonia," setting the stage for the enchanting narrative that unfolds. Standout tracks include "O, The Pleasure Of The Plains!" and "Happy We!" which capture the exuberance and joy of the characters, while "I Rage — I Melt — I Burn!" and "Must I My Acis Still Bemoan" delve into the darker, more dramatic moments of the story. The interplay between the soloists and the chorus creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that is both visually and aurally captivating.
Handel's "Acis and Galatea" is not just an album; it's a journey through the heights and depths of human emotion, set to some of the most beautiful music ever composed. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching experience that celebrates the timeless artistry of George Frideric Handel.
(C) 2019 The Sixteen Productions Ltd
Tracks
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: O, The Pleasure Of The Plains! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Ye Verdant Plains (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Hush, Ye Pretty Warbling Quire! (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Where Shall I Seek The Charming Fair? (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Stay, Shepherd, Stay! - Shepherd, What Art Thou Pursuing? (Damon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Mark Dobell
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Lo, Here My Love - Love In Her Eyes Sits Playing (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Oh, Didst Thou Know The Pains - As When The Dove (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act I: Happy We! (Galatea, Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Wretched Lovers! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: I Rage — I Melt — I Burn! (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: O Ruddier Than The Cherry (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Whither, Fairest (Polyphemus, Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Cease To Beauty To Be Suing (Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Would You Gain The Tender Creature (Coridon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: His Hideous Love - Love Sounds Th'alarm (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Consider, Fond Shepherd (Damon)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Mark Dobell
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Cease, Oh Cease (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: The Flocks Shall Leave The Mountains (Galatea, Acis, Polyphemus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd, Stuart Young
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Help, Galatea! (Acis)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Mourn, All Ye Muses! (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Must I My Acis Still Bemoan - 'Tis Done! (Galatea, Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson, Jeremy Budd, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Heart, The Seat Of Soft Delight (Galatea)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Grace Davidson
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49a, Act II: Galatea, Dry Thy Tears (Chorus)George Frideric Handel, John Gay, Ovid, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers, Jeremy Budd, Grace Davidson, Stuart Young, Mark Dobell, Simon Berridge