Christian Curnyn - Greene:Jephtha - Import

Credits:

Christian Curnyn

Description:

Maurice Greene(1695-1755):. Includes. Oratorio in 2 acts "Jephthah" (1737) Script by John Hoadley(1711-1776) Performers Jephthah:Andrew Staples(Tenor) Jephthah's Daughter:Mary Bevan(Soprano) The Elder of the Gileadites 1:Michael Mofidian(Bass) Elder of the Gileadites 2:Jeremy Budd (Tenor) Duet: "Let the joyful tune be evoked! Soloist for the duet: Jessica Cale (soprano) Chorus of Elders, Soldiers, Maidens, etc.: Early Opera Company Chorus Early Opera Company Chorus Early Opera Company (Old Music Orchestra) Katherine Martin (Leader) Christian Kernin (conductor) Temperament: Vallotti, Young Pitch: A = 415 Hz Recorded: March 4-8, 2024 St. Augustine's Church, Kilburn, London World premiere recording Total recording time: 99 min. Christian Curnin and the Early Opera Company, which has recorded many 18th-century British operas, including major works by Handel, have released the world premiere recording of the oratorio "Jephthah" by 18th-century British composer Maurice Greene. Born the son of a vicar, Maurice Greene studied music as a child in the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral and was eventually appointed organist of the cathedral. He later became organist and composer at the Chapel Royal, professor of music at Cambridge University, and eventually Master of the King's Music, an important composer in the history of English music. Green composed "Jephthah" in 1737, the first successful work by an English composer in the English oratorio genre, a genre that Handel had helped to popularize. The oratorio is based on the Old Testament story of Jephthah in the Book of Judges, with a libretto by John Hoadley, a poet who would eventually hold an important position in the Anglican Church, and a story largely faithful to the Old Testament story of Jephthah. This is in contrast to Handel's oratorio of the same name (composed in 1751, about 15 years after Greene's work), in which new characters were added and the story was greatly altered.The colorful orchestra, varied chorus, and English language language, along with the dramatic arias and duets, which are strongly emotional, showcase Greene's wonderful talent. Christian Curnin and the Early Opera Company, who have performed and recorded important modern revivals of 18th century English dramatic works, have performed in concert halls and opera houses around the world with Simon Rattle, Daniel Harding, Ivan Fischer, and others, and have appeared with the Berlin Philharmonic many times. The English tenor Andrzej Staples, who has appeared with Simon Rattle, Daniel Harding, and Ivan Fischer in concert halls and operas around the world, and the English soprano Mary Bevan, who has been remarkably active in Handel and other Baroque operas and oratorios, are the daughters of Jeffesa, making for a complete lineup in this performance. This is not only a valuable recording of Maurice Greene's works, which are rarely performed even today, but it will also lead to a reappraisal of the 18th century English composer. Please look forward to the revival of music that has been in the shadow of Handel! Synopsis [Act I. Scene 1 After the death of their great leader, the people of Gilead, who had abandoned the Lord God and worshipped idols, were abandoned by God and oppressed by the Ammonites. The elders of Gilead, deeply sorry for their deeds and seeking God's protection once again, beg Jephthah, a brave warrior who had been banished for being a bastard, to fight against the Ammonites. Scene 2 Despite the elders' entreaties, Jephthah initially rejects the request. The elders tried to persuade him, but he only accused them of having forsaken God and of having practiced idolatry. However, after repeated persuasion, Jephthah became convinced of the elders' conversion and loyalty to God, and finally granted their request. The elders were already celebrating their victory over the Ammonites. Meanwhile, Jephthah vows that upon his triumphant victory over the Ammonites, he will dedicate to God the first one to greet him. [Act II. Scene 1 The people of Gilead celebrate the return of Jephthah, who has defeated the Ammonites after a fierce battle in which blood was washed with blood. In his house, Jephthah's daughter and her companions were bubbling over with the joyous news of Jephthah's triumphant return. Scene 2 When Jephthah saw his daughter rushing toward him with her arms outstretched fully, he immediately remembered his own vow to God. He quickly averted his gaze, but it was already too late. The sudden change in her father's demeanor made the daughter uneasy, and she frowned at the look of fear etched on his face. The daughter, seized by a terrible premonition, urged her father to explain. Jephthah could only explain that he had made a vow to God, and he could not tell her that it was her daughter who would be sacrificed. Realizing that she is the source of her father's grief, the daughter tries to leave her hometown. The daughter finally learns the truth from her father, who is so distressed that he cannot even move. The elders of Gilead express their anger at Almighty God for this inexcusable situation. Jephthah, distressed by the oath he swore to God in order to win the victory, tries to take his own place in order to avoid the sacrifice of his child. The daughter, who remains virtuous to the end, dissuades her father. She then asks to spend one last time alone in the mountains to mourn her childless death. Accepting her firm resolve, the father bids his daughter a final farewell. The people of Gilead show their respect for Jephthah's daughter, and the story ends with the chorus singing that from then on, the daughters of Israel are to spend four days each year mourning her tragic death in memory of her. (Naxos Japan)