Harry Bicket, English Concert, Emily D'Angelo - Handel (1685-1759) Serse : Harry Bicket / English Concert, Emily D'Angelo, Lucy Crowe, Mary Bevan, Etc (2022 Stereo)(3Cd) - Import 3 CD

Credits:

Harry Bicket, English Concert, Emily D'Angelo

Description:

On April 15, 1738, Handel, who had once dominated the London box office but was struggling at the time, presented his opera "Serse," which was a terrible failure because of the insertion of comical scenes into the serious plot, which was difficult for the English to understand at the time. The first performance was a terrible failure. However, when it was revived in 1924, almost two centuries later, it was received with great enthusiasm, and recordings of the complete work have been released from time to time. Surprisingly, there have been few recordings of this work in its native England, and now a new recording by the English Concert conducted by Harry Bicket, who can be considered a major proponent of the work, has appeared. The title role, played by the castrato Caffarelli at the premiere, is now performed by a female voice, played by Emily D'Angelo, who has attracted attention with her unique solo album on Deutsche Grammophon! From the beginning of the piece, "Ombra mai fu", the music draws you in with its strong centripetal force.Bicket's interpretation is nothing short of superb, weaving the drama with exquisite care while capturing the dramatic ups and downs of the entire work. The soloists, including Lucy Crowe and Paula Marihey, are full of personality and ability, and their vivid singing is supported by a new generation of players in a graceful and enthusiastic performance by an orchestra of ancient instruments (two theorbo instruments on bass continuo are very good). This is a new recording that will appeal to those who are familiar with the style of English old instrumental music since the end of the 20th century, as well as to those who love the stimulation of new age baroque opera playing. Naxos Japan