Handel called Semele, HWV 58, a musical drama after the manner of an oratorio, and that mixture of modes, plus the work's failure at its first performance (it was considered too risqué for the stolid middle-class English crowd with its secular text on the topic of adultery), consigned it to obscurity until the late 20th century. Even then, Semele remained a bit underrated. The "manner of an oratorio" description indicates the presence of numerous choruses, integral to the action, and not all choirs have made these come ...
Read More
Handel called Semele, HWV 58, a musical drama after the manner of an oratorio, and that mixture of modes, plus the work's failure at its first performance (it was considered too risqué for the stolid middle-class English crowd with its secular text on the topic of adultery), consigned it to obscurity until the late 20th century. Even then, Semele remained a bit underrated. The "manner of an oratorio" description indicates the presence of numerous choruses, integral to the action, and not all choirs have made these come alive, and the comic nature of much of the material has been a challenge for Handelian singers. These problems are solved in this live recording from the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London. The choruses are given their proper catchy, chunky shapes, reminiscent of the nearly contemporary Messiah, HWV 56, and the singers are top-notch. Louise Alder delivers fetching tunes (try "O sleep, why dost thou leave me?" from Act Two), and she makes a nice contrast with the delightful comic squawks...
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. All item shipped Monday-Friday, fast shipping! 4-9 business day delivery. 97 % + We ship same or next business day. Shipping transit days depend on distance from our California location & pse keep track of bad weather, can cause delays. We use an expeditor as well as direct drops at US Postal Service twice daily Pacific Time. End delivery is always US Postal Service. Customer service in the California / United States Only, Pacific Time M-F. WE DO NOT WARRANTY ANY JEWEL CASE MAY HAVE NEW DISK AND CRACKED JEWEL. WE DO REPLACE-DO NOT BUY IF YOU WANT A PERFECT JEWEL CASE THANK YOU Lowest grade, FUNCTIONAL ONLY / NOT FOR GIFTS, may be missing original case, inlay, MAYBE LIBRARY VERSION Will be legally produced copy only, kindly e-mail any questions for items, all tested prior to listing.