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Christina Wieland|Theodora, HWV68

Theodora, HWV68

George Frideric Händel

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Handel's oratorio Theodora, HWV 68, composed in 1749, was not a great success, even at a time when Handel was a major celebrity in England. Various explanations for its failure have been advanced, including an earthquake that occurred shortly before the production and, in the booklet to this Naxos release, a novel theory concerning cognitive dissonance experienced by London audiences who, being Christians in a city that aspired to be the new Rome, couldn't decide whether to sympathize with the Christians or the Romans in this tragic story of the martyr Theodora and her Roman lover. Handel himself esteemed the work highly, and it's easy to see why: with its dual choruses of Christians and heathens and its tight dramatic structure, it exploits the possibilities of the oratorio form to the hilt. This also demonstrates how composers aren't the best judges of their own works: although the choruses are pure Handelian masterpieces, the arias are no match for those in Messiah or Judas Maccabeus. The work has sometimes been staged to good effect, for it brings out the dramatic impact. There's nothing objectionable in this performance by Germany's Junge Kantorei and Frankfurt Baroque Orchestra under Joachim Carlos Martini, and there is a notable absence of the German accent that German vocal ensembles sometimes feel entitled to retain. The Frankfurt Baroque Orchestra is a competent historical-performance group, and the general deployment of forces, with a small orchestra but a large chorus of young people, is attractive. But Martini's straight-arrow reading and the by-the-numbers performance of soprano Christina Wieland in the title role sometimes leave the listener wishing for more intensity. This is a fully competent recording of this rather rarely heard piece, but it awaits a fuller explication of what Handel was trying to do.
© TiVo

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Theodora, HWV68

Christina Wieland

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Theodora, HWV 68 (Georg Friedrich Händel)

1
Overture
Diana Schmid
00:07:41

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

2
Act I Scene 1: Recitativo: 'Tis Dioclesian's natal day (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:00:36

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

3
Act I Scene 1: Air: Go, my faithful soldier, go (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:02:04

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

4
Act I Scene 1: Chorus: And draw a blessing down (Chorus of Heathens)
Diana Schmid
00:02:19

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

5
Act I Scene 1: Recitativo: Vouchsafe, dread Sir (Didymus, Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:01:04

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

6
Act I Scene 1: Air: Racks, gibbets, sword and fire (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:03:52

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

7
Act I Scene 1: Chorus: For ever thus stands fix'd the doom (Chorus of Heathens)
Diana Schmid
00:02:15

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

8
Act I Scene 2: Recitativo: Most cruel edict! (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:00:32

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

9
Act I Scene 2: Air: The raptur'd soul (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:07:53

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

10
Act I Scene 2: Recitativo: I know thy virtues, and ask not thy faith (Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:00:49

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

11
Act I Scene 2: Air: Descend, kind Pity (Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:07:29

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

12
Act I Scene 3: Recitativo: Though hard, my friends (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:00:24

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

13
Act I Scene 3: Air: Fond flatt'ring world, adieu! (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:04:02

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

14
Act I Scene 3: Recitativo: Oh bright example of all goodness (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:00:30

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

15
Act I Scene 3: Air: Bane of virtue, nurse of passions (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:05:13

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

16
Act I Scene 3: Chorus: Come, mighty Father, mighty Lord (Chorus of Christians)
Diana Schmid
00:02:53

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

17
Act I Scene 4: Recitativo: Fly, fly my brethren (Messenger, Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:01:03

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

18
Act I Scene 4: Air: As With Rosy Steps (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:05:26

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

19
Act I Scene 4: Chorus: All pow'r in Heaven above, or earth beneath (Chorus of Christians)
Diana Schmid
00:02:18

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

20
Act I Scene 5: Recitativo: Mistaken wretches, why thus blind to fate (Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:00:25

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

21
Act I Scene 5: Air: Dread the fruits of Christian folly (Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:03:03

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

22
Act I Scene 5: Recitativo: Deluded mortal! (Theodora, Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:00:55

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

23
Act I Scene 5: Accompagnato: Oh worse than death indeed! (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:00:23

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

24
Act I Scene 5: Air: Angels, ever bright and fair (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:03:00

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

25
Act I Scene 6: Recitativo: Unhappy, happy crew! (Didymus, Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:01:21

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

26
Act I Scene 6: Accompagnato and Air: Kind Heaven, if virtue be thy care (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:05:04

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

27
Act I Scene 6: Recitativo: Oh Love, how great thy pow'r! (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:00:23

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

28
Act I Scene 6: Chorus: Go, gen'rous pious youth! (Chorus of Christians)
Diana Schmid
00:04:20

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

DISC 2

1
Act II Scene 1: Recitativo: Ye men of Antioch, with solemn pomp (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:00:37

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

2
Act II Scene 1: Chorus: Queen of summer, queen of love (Chorus of Heathens)
Diana Schmid
00:00:56

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

3
Act II Scene 1: Air: Wide spread his Name (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:02:24

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

4
Act II Scene 1: Recitativo: Return, Septimius, to the stubborn maid (Valens)
Diana Schmid
00:00:45

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

5
Act II Scene 1: Chorus: Venus laughing from the skies (Chorus of Heathens)
Diana Schmid
00:01:27

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

6
Act II Scene 2: Symphony
Diana Schmid
00:00:48

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

7
Act II Scene 2: Recitativo: O thou bright sun! How sweet thy rays (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:00:30

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

8
Act II Scene 2: Air: With darkness deep (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:03:01

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

9
Act II Scene 2: Symphony
Diana Schmid
00:01:31

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

10
Act II Scene 2: Recitativo: But why art thou disquieted, my soul? (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:00:28

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

11
Act II Scene 2: Air: Oh that I on wings could rise (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:03:10

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

12
Act II Scene 3: Recitativo: Long have I known thy friendly social soul (Didymus, Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:01:21

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

13
Act II Scene 3: Air: Though the honours, that Flora and Venus receive from the Romans (Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:04:16

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

14
Act II Scene 3: Recitativo: Oh save her then, or give me pow'r (Didymus, Septimius)
Diana Schmid
00:00:38

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

15
Act II Scene 3: Air: Deeds of kindness to display, pity suing (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:04:58

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

16
Act II Scene 4: Recitativo: The clouds begin to veil the hemisphere (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:00:42

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

17
Act II Scene 4: Air: Defend her Heaven! (Irene)
Diana Schmid
00:04:41

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

18
Act II Scene 5: Recitativo: Or lull'd with grief or rapt her soul to heaven (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:00:32

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

19
Act II Scene 5: Air: Sweet Rose and Lily (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:02:33

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

20
Act II Scene 5: Recitativo: Oh save me, Heaven (Theodora, Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:01:29

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

21
Act II Scene 5: Air: The pilgrim's home (Theodora)
Diana Schmid
00:02:17

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

22
Act II Scene 5: Accompagnato: Forbid it, Heaven! (Didymus)
Diana Schmid
00:00:54

George Frideric Handel, Composer - Junge Kantorei, Choir - Klaus Mertens, Performer - Diana Schmid, Performer - Thomas Morell, Lyricist - Joachim Carlos Martini, Conductor - Knut Schoch, Performer - Franz Vitzthum, Performer - Christina Wieland, Performer - Barockorchester Frankfurt, Orchestra

2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

Album review

Handel's oratorio Theodora, HWV 68, composed in 1749, was not a great success, even at a time when Handel was a major celebrity in England. Various explanations for its failure have been advanced, including an earthquake that occurred shortly before the production and, in the booklet to this Naxos release, a novel theory concerning cognitive dissonance experienced by London audiences who, being Christians in a city that aspired to be the new Rome, couldn't decide whether to sympathize with the Christians or the Romans in this tragic story of the martyr Theodora and her Roman lover. Handel himself esteemed the work highly, and it's easy to see why: with its dual choruses of Christians and heathens and its tight dramatic structure, it exploits the possibilities of the oratorio form to the hilt. This also demonstrates how composers aren't the best judges of their own works: although the choruses are pure Handelian masterpieces, the arias are no match for those in Messiah or Judas Maccabeus. The work has sometimes been staged to good effect, for it brings out the dramatic impact. There's nothing objectionable in this performance by Germany's Junge Kantorei and Frankfurt Baroque Orchestra under Joachim Carlos Martini, and there is a notable absence of the German accent that German vocal ensembles sometimes feel entitled to retain. The Frankfurt Baroque Orchestra is a competent historical-performance group, and the general deployment of forces, with a small orchestra but a large chorus of young people, is attractive. But Martini's straight-arrow reading and the by-the-numbers performance of soprano Christina Wieland in the title role sometimes leave the listener wishing for more intensity. This is a fully competent recording of this rather rarely heard piece, but it awaits a fuller explication of what Handel was trying to do.
© TiVo

Details of original recording : 77:34 - 51:43 - 42:37 - DDD - Enregistré le 23 mai 2010 à Eltville en Allemagne - Notes en anglais et allemand

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2011 Naxos 2011 Naxos

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The Vienna Recital Yuja Wang

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Keith Jarrett

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Keith Jarrett

Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody

Yuja Wang

Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody Yuja Wang

A Symphonic Celebration - Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki

Joe Hisaishi

A Symphonic Celebration - Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki Joe Hisaishi