Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of George Frideric Handel with the release of "Handel: Saul, HWV 53." This captivating album, released on December 1, 2008, under the Carus label, is a testament to Handel's genius, blending the grandeur of classical music with the dramatic intensity of opera and the power of choral arrangements.
"Saul, HWV 53" is a three-act oratorio that tells the biblical story of King Saul and his complex relationship with the young David. Composed in 1738, this work showcases Handel's ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 29 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
From the opening symphony to the final chorus, Handel's composition is a journey through a range of human emotions and divine themes. The album features a variety of vocal and instrumental pieces, including choruses, arias, and recitatives, each contributing to the overall dramatic effect. Notable tracks include the powerful "How excellent thy Name, O Lord" and the haunting "A Serpent in my Bosom warm'd," which highlight the album's emotional depth and musical complexity.
Handel's "Saul, HWV 53" is not just an album but a profound exploration of faith, jealousy, and redemption. The intricate interplay of voices and instruments creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both moving and inspiring. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Handel's works, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 8. Recitative. "Behold, O King, the brave victorious Youth"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead, Yorck Felix Speer
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 9. Air. "O King, your Favours with Delight I take"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Tim Mead
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 10. Recitative. "O early Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 11. Air. "What abject Thoughts a Prince can have"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 12. Recitative. "Yet think, on whom this Honour you bestow"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 13. Aria. "Birth and Fortune I despise!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann, Maximilian Schmitt
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 14. Recitative. "Go on, illustrious Pair!"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Eric Stokloßa, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 15. Air. "Why yet thy Tide of Blood runs high"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 16. Recitative. "Thou, Merab, first in Birth"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 17. Air. "My Soul rejects the Thought with Scorn"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 18. Air. "See, see, with what a scornful Air"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 28. Air. "Fell Rage and black Despair possessed"George Frideric Handel, Ditte Andersen, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 29. Recitative. "This but the smallest Part of Harmony"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 34. Recitative. "'Tis all in vain"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 35. Air. "A Serpent in my Bosom warm'd"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 36. Recitative. "Has he escap'd my Rage?"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 37. Air. "Capricious Man"George Frideric Handel, Anna Prohaska, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 38. Accompagnato. "O Filial Piety!"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 39. Air. "No, no cruel Father, no"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 40. Air. "O Lord, whose Providence Ever wakes for their Defence"George Frideric Handel, Eric Stokloßa, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 41. Chorus. "Preserve him for the Glory of thy Name"George Frideric Handel, Dresdner Barockorchester, Dresdner Kammerchor, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 44. Air. "But sooner Jordan's Stream, I swear"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 45. Recitative. "O strange Vicissitude!"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 46. Air. "Such haughty Beauties"George Frideric Handel, Tim Mead, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 47. Recitative. "My Father comes"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 48. Recitative. "Hast thou obey'd my Orders"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 49. Air. "Sin not, o King, against the Youth"George Frideric Handel, Maximilian Schmitt, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 50. Air. "As great Jehovah lives"George Frideric Handel, Yorck Felix Speer, Dresdner Barockorchester, Hans-Christoph Rademann