Topic: Getting at Handel's operas and oratorios

[mc ukrneal]

It's certainly worth getting. I have all but three of the included recordings (Messiah, Jephtha and Theodora). They are all major works, except Esther and Athalia, and most of the recordings are among the best. Although this does not mean so much because for many of them there are only about 3-5 recordings available, they are all very good. And most of the major pieces are included. (There are few more out there with even fewer recordings, mostly on Hyperion, such as Joshua, Joseph, Alexander Balus...)
A small flaw is that the version of Israel in Egypt is the 2-part-one (but if you like the piece, Parrott's recording of the 3-part version is on a cheap twofer).

Thanks. I actually have Israel in Egypt...with Parrott no less! Didn't remember that one when I was writing. So except for that and Messiah, all new pieces for me. The singing sounded quite good on the clips.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Is this worth getting? The Oratorios are a huge hole in my collection (I think I have just messiah).

Absolutely worth getting. I have most of the Oratorios, though not necessarily from the Universal team (Decca, Philips, DG), but musically they are the equal of the operas in every respect. And I rather like Esther.

[Jo498]

There is nothing wrong with Esther but it is among the earliest of the english oratorios and certainly far less famous than "Saul" and most of the others included in that box.
The major omissions from the box are the Ode for St. Cecilia's Day (not really an oratorio which might be the reason) and "L'allegro, il penseroso ed il moderato" (where the reason is probably that Universal did not have a recording in their vaults although Christophers' Samson is also not from them).
Many listeners prefer the oratorios because they are generally more varied than the operas and the choral passages are what Handel has been most famous for since the late 18th century.
Some of the included oratorios have been successfully staged. Acis and Galathea (one of the most popular as the overhauling by both Mozart and Mendelssohn shows) is more like a chamber opera anyway. Semele and Hercules are also operas in all but in name and language. But some of the greatest ones are rather un-operatic. Solomon is pretty static except for the Harlot scene but has some of the greatest choral pieces ever.

[Handelian]

This is a fabulous set. Four discs by great performers:

[Biffo]

This is a fabulous set. Four discs by great performers:

This is very tempting but I have a different HM box set of Handel arias and it has a disc devoted to arias written for Durastanti sung by Lorraine Hunt. Is this the same disc as in your set.

[Jo498]

I don't think so. The Hunt-disc in the set above is mixed from operas and oratorios (e.g. "He was despised" that was sung originall by that English actress, not by an Italian diva). These sets were cheap arount the anniversary 11 years ago but the discs are of course also in principle findable separately and all worth getting. I also have the set shown and it is in fact very good. The 9 German Arias are not the most exciting music but beautiful contemplative little pieces. And the Scholl disc was at least when it originally appeared around 2000? one of the most spectacular countenor Handel disc with great accompaniment (brilliant horn solo in Va tacito from Giulio Cesare), including a very good "Alexander's Feast" concerto as a filler.

[Biffo]

I don't think so. The Hunt-disc in the set above is mixed from operas and oratorios (e.g. "He was despised" that was sung originall by that English actress, not by an Italian diva). These sets were cheap arount the anniversary 11 years ago but the discs are of course also in principle findable separately and all worth getting. I also have the set shown and it is in fact very good. The 9 German Arias are not the most exciting music but beautiful contemplative little pieces. And the Scholl disc was at least when it originally appeared around 2000? one of the most spectacular countenor Handel disc with great accompaniment (brilliant horn solo in Va tacito from Giulio Cesare), including a very good "Alexander's Feast" concerto as a filler.

Thanks for the info. I have found the box set on Amazon.co.uk and it has the reverse cover giving outline details - the Hunt disc is different from the one I have; it has the same conductor and orchestra and there may be some overlap in the Italian arias. Worth considering.

[Handelian]

Thanks for the info. I have found the box set on Amazon.co.uk and it has the reverse cover giving outline details - the Hunt disc is different from the one I have; it has the same conductor and orchestra and there may be some overlap in the Italian arias. Worth considering.

The four disc set is really wonderful. I've had it some years and it also has Padmore's 'As steals the morn' recital which was highly praised. Also a Scholl recital too. So good stuff!

[Handelian]

One of Handel's finest operas with a superb cast. Dessay has to be heard to be believed.

[Handelian]

I usually get another Messiah for Christmas and this is it this year. This is a fabulous performance. Soloists and choir.

[Handelian]

Been listening to the DVD of the 2006 production at Glyndebourne of Handel’s Julius Caesar by David McVicar. It says it in Egypt updated the Victorian times. To me it is a fairly light-hearted approach which works very well and he’s helped by stupendous performances by all the cast including Sarah Connolly as Caesar and Danielle Denneise as Cleopatra. I believe it was transferred to the Met with Dessay as Cleopatra. Well worth watching.

[Handelian]

Loraine Hunt was taken from us far too early. These Handel arias are ravishing.

[Handelian]

Dave,

In the Handel opera/oratorio arena the choices are burgeoning but probably the cheapest way to go and still get quality goods is Gardiner on Philips as quite a few of his recordings are 'old' enough to be released as reissues. They're not quite two-for-one prices but still better than full price.

I'd probably elect Gardiner's Agrippina as a safe next purchase - it's full of wonderful yet never hammy melodies and, price aside, is another of my favorite Handel operas. Although it's quite lengthy at three discs, but worth it.

Which is better? This or McGegan’s in peopke’s opinion?

[Scion7]

Are you related to MadAboutMahler?   
Your enthusiasm borders on ..... insanity!

Do you know Camille Saint-Saens did much to bring awareness of Handel's music to the French? 

[Handelian]

Are you related to MadAboutMahler?   
Your enthusiasm borders on ..... insanity!

Do you know Camille Saint-Saens did much to bring awareness of Handel's music to the French?

Saint-Saens also played all the Beethoven piano sonatas at nine I believe. An astounding prodigy.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

The four disc set is really wonderful. I've had it some years and it also has Padmore's 'As steals the morn' recital which was highly praised. Also a Scholl recital too. So good stuff!

I don't own the 4-disc set, but I do possess the Hunt and Padmore discs which I enjoy.  I know that I have at least one Scholl disc but am not familiar with Roschmann.  Any youtube recommendations to sample her singing?

One of Handel's finest operas with a superb cast. Dessay has to be heard to be believed.

That's a lovely opera and a fine recording! +1 

PD

p.s.  Currently listening to Sunday Morning Baroque program.  Some gorgeous playing by Sharon Isbin of music by Bach (for guitar--if you don't know her name).

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Loraine Hunt was taken from us far too early. These Handel arias are ravishing.

Yes, I agree on both accounts. 

PD

[Handelian]

Handel Rinaldo Glyndebourne 2011

Schoolboy humour and jolly hockey sticks wears thin by the end with Handel somewhat relegated to second place.

My full review
https://handelian.blogspot.com/2020/11/thoughts-on-rinaldo-glyndebourne-2011.html