Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's masterful compositions with the album "Handel: Concerti a due cori; Alexander's Feast." This exquisite collection, set for release on March 22, 2024, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd., showcases the brilliance of Handel's choral and orchestral works. The album spans a variety of genres, including classical, choral, and opera, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album opens with the majestic "Concerto grosso in C Major, HWV 318 'Alexander's Feast,'" a four-movement piece that exemplifies Handel's mastery of the concerto grosso form. Following this, the "Overture in D Major, HWV 337/338" sets the stage for the intricate and captivating "Concerto a due cori" series. These concertos, performed by two choirs, are a testament to Handel's innovative approach to choral and orchestral arrangements. Each concerto is a journey through a range of emotions and musical styles, from the pompous grandeur of the opening movements to the delicate and reflective adagios.
The album culminates with the grand finale from "Solomon, HWV 67," specifically the "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" from Act III. This operatic piece is a stunning display of Handel's ability to create dramatic and emotionally resonant music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Handel's genius, perfect for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the world of Handel.
Concerto grosso in C Major, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast": I. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto grosso in C Major, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast": II. Largo - AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto grosso in C Major, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast": III. Allegro - AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto grosso in C Major, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast": IV. Andante non prestoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Overture in D Major, HWV 337/338George Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: II. Allegro ma non troppoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: IV. LentoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: V. A tempo ordinarioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: VI. Alla breve. ModeratoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: VII. Menuet. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: I. PomposoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: III. A tempo giustoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: IV. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: V. Allegro ma non troppo – AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 2, HWV 333: VI. A tempo ordinarioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 3, HWV 334: I. OuvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 3, HWV 334: II. Allegro – Allegro ma non troppoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 3, HWV 334: III. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 3, HWV 334: IV. Andante larghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Concerto a due cori No. 3, HWV 334: V. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Solomon, HWV 67, Act III: The Arrival of the Queen of ShebaGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner