Presented by Penny Gore. BBC Radio 3's complete series of Handel operas continues with a performance of Hercules from a stellar cast, including Gidon Saks, Anne Sofie von Otter and David Daniels. Written at time when Handel was becoming better known for his oratorios, his setting of the Greek myth was not as successful in its day as his earlier Italian operas had been. Only now has it been recognised that its musical quality and dramatic vigour justifies a more regular place in the opera house. Handel: Hercules - music drama in three acts Hercules ...... Gidon Saks (bass-baritone) Dejanira ...... Anne Sofie von Otter (soprano) Hyllus ...... Richard Croft (tenor) Iole ...... Lynne Dawson (soprano) Lichas ...... David Daniels (countertenor) Priest of Jupiter ...... Marcos Pujol (baritone) Choeur et Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble Marc Minkowski (conductor).