Joyce DiDonato, the acclaimed mezzo-soprano, presents a captivating journey through the realms of opera with her album "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music." Released on November 4, 2016, under Erato/Warner Classics, this collection showcases DiDonato's extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility, spanning a rich tapestry of compositions from the Baroque and Classical eras.
The album is a meticulously curated selection of arias from operas by renowned composers such as Handel, Purcell, Jommelli, and Monteverdi. Each piece is a testament to the emotional depth and dramatic intensity that DiDonato brings to her performances. From the hauntingly beautiful "Lascia ch'io pianga" by Handel to the poignant "When I Am Laid in Earth" by Purcell, the album offers a diverse range of musical expressions that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "In War & Peace - Harmony through Music" is a substantial exploration of the operatic repertoire. DiDonato's interpretation of these timeless pieces is both powerful and nuanced, offering listeners a profound and immersive experience. Whether you are an opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a must-listen, showcasing the enduring beauty and relevance of classical music.
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
Vinylscout