Composer of the Week - George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) - Episode 4

Donald Macleod explores Handel's oratorios, focusing on warlike works for troubled times. Come, ever-smiling liberty (Judas Maccabaeus, 1746) Israeliltish Woman ...... Emma Kirkby (soprano) Israelitish Man ...... Catherine Denley (contralto) Hyperion CDA66641/2, CD 1 Tr 18 Father of Heav'n; Wise man, flatt'ring, may deceive us (Judas Maccabeus) Priest ...... James Bowman (countertenor) Israeliltish Woman ...... Emma Kirkby (soprano) Hyperion CDA66641/2, CD 2 Trs 23, 13 Sinfonia; Tis true, instinctive nature seldom points; Here amid the shady woods; Ah! was it not my Cleopatra's voice? Pow'rful guardians of all nature; Treach'ry, O king, unheard of treachery; Fury, with red sparkling eyes (Alexander Balus, Act 3) The King's Consort Robert King (conductor) Hyperion CDA67241/2, CD 2 Trs 13-19 Now Give the Army Breath; Heroes When with Glory Burning; Indulgent Heav'n Hath Heard My Virgin Pray'r; As Cheers the Sun the Tender Flow'r; Sure I'm Deceiv'd, With Sorrow I Behold! Nations, Who in Future Story; Brethren and Friends, What Joy This Scene Imparts; Flourish of Warlike Instruments; Thus Far Our Cause Is Favour'd By the Lord; Flourish of Warlike Instruments; O Thou Bright Orb, Great Ruler of the Day (Joshua) Joshua ...... James Gilcrhist (tenor) Caleb ...... Konstantin Wolff (bass) Achsah ...... Myung-Hee Hynun (soprano) Othniel ...... Alex Potter (countertenor) Kolner Kammerchor Collegium Cartusianum Peter Neumann (conductor) MDG 332 1532-2, CD 2 Trs 14-24.