Handel - Theodora / Harnoncourt

On this CD:

1. Theodora, oratorio, HWV 68
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Arnold Schoenberg Choir / Vienna Concentus Musicus with Roberta Alexander, Hans Peter Blochwitz, Jochen Kowalski, Jard van Nes
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Theodora was said to be Handel's own favorite among his oratorios, and it is a masterpiece. Unlike most of the others, it ends in tragedy, the heroine and her lover going to their deaths as martyrs. It is also Handel's only oratorio on a Christian subject. Nikolaus Harnoncourt's performance is a good one, lightly cut, but it doesn't really compare to Nicholas McGegan's Harmonia Mundi version, which is a tremendous achievement. Worth a listen as a second option. --David Hurwitz

Handel - Theodora / Harnoncourt, Music, George Frideric Handel, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Herbert Tachezi, Arnold Schoenberg Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien, Roberta Alexander, Hans Peter Blochwitz, Anton Scharinger, Jard van Nes, Jochen Kowalski, Choral, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Oratorio
Hallelujah! Famous Händel Choruses
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Hallelujah! Famous Händel Choruses

    Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Harnoncourt, NikolausHarnoncourt, Nikolaus | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000000SO7
    Release Date: 1994-09-06

    Tracks:

    1. Messiah: Hallelujah - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    2. Samson: Awake The Trumpet's Lofty Sound - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    3. Belshazzar: All Empires - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    4. Giulio Cesare: Ritorni Omai Nel Nostro Core - Lucia Popp/Paul Esswood/Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    5. Alexander's Feast: The Many Rend The Skies - Stockholm Bachkor/Anders Ohrwall
    6. Messiah: And The Glory Of The Lord - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    7. Theodora: And Draw A Blessing Down - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    8. Saul: Gird On Thy Sword - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
    9. Ode For St. Cecilia's Day: As From The Pow'r Of Sacred Lays - Stockholm Bachkor/Anders Ohrwall
    10. Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    11. Jephtha: When His Loud Voice In Thunder Spoke - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    12. Theodora: Oh Love Divine - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    13. Belshazzar: Oh Glorious Prince - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    14. Saul: How Excellent Thy Name, Oh Lord - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
    15. Messiah: Let All The Angels Of God - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    16. Jephtha: Ye House Of Gilead - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    17. Alexander's Feast: Now Strike The Golden Lyre Again! - Stockholm Bachkor/Anders Ohrwall
    18. Samson: Fix'd In His Everlasting Seat - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
    19. Belshazzar: See, From His Post - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    20. Messiah: Worthy Is The Lamb - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Eric Ericson
    Handel - Theodora / Harnoncourt
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • EXCELENTE INTERPRETACIÃ"N.
    • Lovely music. A nice interpretation.
    • A very pleasant music of the mature Haendel.
    • A wonderful oratorio.
    		 Handel - Theodora / Harnoncourt

    Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000000SDA
    Release Date: 1991-08-02

    Tracks:

    1. Theodora: Overture
    2. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'tis Dioclesian's natal day' (Valens)
    3. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Go, my faithful soldier' (Valens)
    4. Theodora: Act I: Chorus 'And draw a blessing down' (Chorus of Heathens)
    5. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Vouchsafe, dread Sir' (Didymus, Valens)
    6. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Racks, gibbets, sword, and fire' (Valens)
    7. Theodora: Act I: Chorus 'For ever thus stands' (Chorus of Heathens)
    8. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Most cruel edict' (Didymus)
    9. Theodora: Act I: Air 'The raptur'd soul' (Didymus)
    10. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'I know thy virtues' (Septimius)
    11. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Descend, kind pity' (Septimius)
    12. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Though hard, my friends' (Theodora)
    13. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Fond flatt'ring world' (Theodora)
    14. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Oh bright example' (Irene)
    15. Theodora: Act I: Chorus 'Come, mighty Father' (Chorus of Christians)
    16. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Fly, fly, my brethren' (Messenger, Irene)
    17. Theodora: Act I: Air, 'As with rosy steps' (Irene)
    18. Theodora: Act I: Chorus 'All pow'r in heaven above' (Chorus of Christians)
    19. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Mistaken wretches' (Septimius)
    20. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Deluded mortal!' (Theodora, Septimius)
    21. Theodora: Act I: Accompanied Recitative 'Oh worse than death indeed' (Theodora)
    22. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Angels, ever bright and fair' (Theodora)
    23. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Unhappy, happy crew' (Didymus, Irene)
    24. Theodora: Act I: Air 'Kind Heaven' (Didymus)
    25. Theodora: Act I: Recitative 'Oh love, how great thy pow'r' (Irene)
    26. Theodora: Act I: Chorus 'Go, gen'rous pious youth' (Chorus of Christians)
    27. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Ye men of Antioch' (Valens)
    28. Theodora: Act II: Chorus 'Queen of summer' (Chorus of Heathens)
    29. Theodora: Act II: Air 'Wide spread' (Valens)
    30. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Return, Septimus' (Valens)
    31. Theodora: Act II: Chorus 'Venus laughing from the skies' (Chorus of Heathens)

    Tracks:

    1. Theodora: Act II: (Largo)
    2. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Oh thou bright sun' (Theodora)
    3. Theodora: Act II: Air 'With darkness deep' (Theodora)
    4. Theodora: Act II: (Largo)
    5. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'But why art thou disquieted' (Theodora)
    6. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Septimius, I am a Christian' (Didymus, Septimius)
    7. Theodora: Act II: Air 'Though the honours' (Septimius)
    8. Theodora: Act II: Recitiative 'Oh save her then' (Didymus, Septimius)
    9. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'The clouds begin to veil' (Irene)
    10. Theodora: Act II: Air 'Defend her, Heaven' (Irene)
    11. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Or lull'd with grief' (Didymus)
    12. Theodora: Act II: Air 'Sweet rose and lily' (Didymus)
    13. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Oh save me, Heaven' (Theodora, Didymus)
    14. Theodora: Act II: Air 'The pilgrim's home' (Theodora)
    15. Theodora: Act II: Accompanied Recitative 'Forbid it, Heaven' (Didymus)
    16. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'Ah! what is liberty' (Theodora, Didymus)
    17. Theodora: Act II: Duet 'To thee, thou glorious son' (Theodora, Didymus)
    18. Theodora: Act II: Recitative 'tis night' (Irene)
    19. Theodora: Act II: Chorus 'He saw the lonely youth' (Chorus of Christians)
    20. Theodora: Act III: Air 'Lord to thee' (Irene)
    21. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'But see! the good, the virtuous Didymus' (Irene, Theodora)
    22. Theodora: Act III: Chorus 'Blest be the hand' (Chorus of Christians, Theodora)
    23. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'Ah, Theodora! whence this sudden change' (Irene, Theodora)
    24. Theodora: Act III: Duet 'Whither, princess, do you fly?' (Irene, Theodora)
    25. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'She's gone' (Irene)
    26. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'Dwells there such virtuous courage' (Septimius)
    27. Theodora: Act III: Air 'From virtue springs' (Septimius)
    28. Theodora: Act III: Air 'Cease, ye slaves' (Valens)
    29. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'Oppose not, Didymus' (Theodora)
    30. Theodora: Act III: Chorus 'How strange their ends' (Chorus of Heathens)
    31. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'On me your frowns' (Didymus, Theodora, Valens)
    32. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'And must such beauty suffer?' (Didymus, Theodora, Septimius)
    33. Theodora: Act III: Duet 'Streams of pleasure' (Didymus, Theodora)
    34. Theodora: Act III: Recitative 'Ere this their doom is past' (Irene)
    35. Theodora: Act III: Chorus 'Oh Love divine' (Chorus of Christians)

    Amazon.com

    Theodora was said to be Handel's own favorite among his oratorios, and it is a masterpiece. Unlike most of the others, it ends in tragedy, the heroine and her lover going to their deaths as martyrs. It is also Handel's only oratorio on a Christian subject. Nikolaus Harnoncourt's performance is a good one, lightly cut, but it doesn't really compare to Nicholas McGegan's Harmonia Mundi version, which is a tremendous achievement. Worth a listen as a second option. --David Hurwitz

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars EXCELENTE INTERPRETACIÃ"N........2002-10-18

    Theodora se encuentra entre los más dramáticos oratorios escritos por Handel. La belleza de su música y lo acentuado de su drama la hacen una obra de inestimable valor para los amantes de este género. La grabación realizada por Harnoncourt, en vivo, en 1990, nos envuelve y seduce, dejándonos llevar por la arrolladora fuerza de esta partitura del gran compositor sajón. Los coros son interpretados con maestría y el Arnold Schoemberg salva con limpieza los difíciles melismas de la escritura. La orquesta refuerza los intensos pasajes de la historia y los intérpretes vocales están a la altura de lo exigido por Handel. La Alexander es una Theodora sensible, el contratenor Jochen Kowalski nos dibuja un Didymus apasionado y la Irene de Jan van Nes es vigorosa y penetrante. El resto cumple su cometido, a destacarse la belleza vocal del tenor Hans Peter Blochwitz. Como ocurre con su interpretación de Samson, la única inconveniencia de la grabación son los cortes que el director realiza a la obra, a favor de su continuidad dramática. Las mutilaciones son menos importantes que las realizadas a Samson, pero todo aficionado extrañará la integridad del oratorio. De todas formas, la adición de esta versión a su discografía, será indudablemente un acierto.

    4 out of 5 stars Lovely music. A nice interpretation........2000-07-02

    Theodora is one of Handel's loveliest oratorios. The music is beautiful and full of tenderness and Harnoncourt, the soloists, choir and orchestra seem to understand this aspect very well.

    I wouldn't consider R. Alexander to be an ideal baroque music singer but here she does a wonderful job: she understands her role and is really expressive. H.P. Blochwitz is also marvelous here. The rest of the soloists and the choir are worth listening to, if not great. The orchestra and N. Harnoncourt do a really fine job.

    The only negative thing about this recording is, that it doesn't include all arias written by Handel, but I think it is still a really pleasant recording.

    5 out of 5 stars A very pleasant music of the mature Haendel........1999-10-26

    In this Oratorio I feel a kind of sadnes. I don't find the author of the italian operas, that conquered London. But I find a deeper sorrow, a certain melacholy. But is always the great Haendel that we well know. Harnoncourt feel perfectlyu the atmosphere of this work. The singers are good or very good. Expecially wonderful are the choir and the orchestra.

    4 out of 5 stars A wonderful oratorio........1999-10-23

    The late Haendel, also if a little tired, is always HAENDEL. We have splendid pages of great music. Unusual and dramatic the plot. Good, but not excellent ,the singers. A little cold Harnoncourt.
    The Art of Alfred Deller
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Brilliant!
    • I have been listening to this recording since 1962
    		 The Art of Alfred Deller

    Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0000023G6
    Release Date: 1997-06-24

    Tracks:

    1. Cantata BWV 170 Vergnugte Ruh', beliebt Seelenlust: Aria-Vergnugte Ruh'
    2. Cantata BWV 170 Vergnugte Ruh', beliebt Seelenlust: Recitative-Die Welt, das Sundenhaus
    3. Cantata BWV 170 Vergnugte Ruh', beliebt Seelenlust: Aria-Wie jammern
    4. Cantata BWV 170 Vergnugte Ruh', beliebt Seelenlust: Recitative-Wer solte sich
    5. Cantata BWV 170 Vergnugte Ruh', beliebt Seelenlust: Aria-Wie leid ist mir das leben
    6. Canta BWV 54 Wiedersteche doch der Sunde: Aria-Widerstehe
    7. Canta BWV 54 Wiedersteche doch der Sunde: Recitative-Die Art
    8. Canta BWV 54 Wiedersteche doch der Sunde: Aria-Wer Sunde tut
    9. Canta BWV 54 Wiedersteche doch der Sunde: Agnus Dei, from Mass in b
    10. Orlando: Ah! stigie larve (mad scene)
    11. Jeptha: 'Tis Heaven's All Ruling Power
    12. Theodora: Kind Heaven
    13. Theodora: Sweet Rose and Lily

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Brilliant! .......2006-06-27

    I don't know how available Handel's oratario "Jephtha" is, but i purchased this CD and remain completely in awe of the air from Jeptha called "'Tis Heaven's All Ruling Power". It lends particularly well to the countertenor voice and Alfred of course, sounds "heavenly" singing it. If you are a Alfred Deller fan and don't have him singing these selections, I highly recommend this CD for sure!

    5 out of 5 stars I have been listening to this recording since 1962.......1999-12-25

    I have been listening to this recording since I was a freshman in college in 1962. I'm really glad they have re-issued this Vanguard recording on CD! The piece was long unknown to the general public. I especially like the use of the counter-tenor voice, it adds a special quality to this piece.
    Handel: Famous Overtures & Marches
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Handel: Famous Overtures & Marches

      Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Harnoncourt, NikolausHarnoncourt, Nikolaus | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000000SQM
      Release Date: 1996-05-07

      Tracks:

      1. Sym & Menuet (Samson)
      2. A Dead March (Samson)
      3. Sym (Messiah)
      4. Ov (Theodora)
      5. Ov (Alexander's Feast)
      6. Ov (Ode For St Cecilia's Day)
      7. March (Ode For St Cecilia's Day)
      8. Ov (Belshazzar)
      9. Sym (Saul)
      10. Dead March (Saul)
      11. Ov - Menuet (Jephtha)
      12. Ov (Water Music)
      George Frideric Handel: Famous Arias
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		George Frideric Handel: Famous Arias

        Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Harnoncourt, NikolausHarnoncourt, Nikolaus | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000000SQN
        Release Date: 1996-05-07

        Tracks:

        1. Theodora, Act I: 'Racks, Gibbets, Sword, and Fire' - Anton Scharinger
        2. Theodora, Act I: 'Kind Heaven' - Jochen Kowalski
        3. Giulio Cesare, Act III: 'Da Tempeste Il Legno Infranto' - Roberta Alexander
        4. Saul, Act I: 'A Serpent, In My Bosom Warm'd' - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
        5. Messiah Part I: 'Ev'ry Valley' - Werner Hollweg
        6. Belshazzar, Act III: 'Be It Thy Care'/'Destructive War' - Maureen Lehane
        7. Samson, Act III: 'Ye Sons Of Israel, Now Lament' - Jochen Kowlaski
        8. Ode For St. Cecilia's Day: 'Sharp Violins Proclaim' - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
        9. Giulio Cesare, Act I: 'Svegliatevi Nel Core' - Ann Murray
        10. Belshazzar, Act I: 'Let Festal Joy' - Robert Tear
        11. Saul, Act I: 'Capricious Man' - Julia Varady
        12. Messiah Part I: 'O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion' - Stockholm Kammerkoren/Marjana Lipovsek
        13. Alexander's Feast, Part II: 'The Princes Applaud' - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
        14. Samson, Act III: 'Presuming Slave, To Move Their Wrath' - Alastair Miles
        15. Giulio Cesare, Act II: 'Se Pieta Di Me Non Senti' - Roberta Alexander
        16. Belshazzar, Act III: 'To Pow'r Immortal' - Peter Van Der Bilt
        17. Messiah Part I: 'Rejoice Greatly' - Elizabeth Gale
        18. Giulio Cesare, Act III: 'Ritorni Omai Nel Nostro Core' - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Paul Esswood/Lucia Popp

        Music Track:

        1. Hans Werner Henze: Chamber Music, Vol. 1
        2. Harty: Children of Lir; Ode to a Nightingale
        3. Harty: With the Wild Geese; Irish Symphony
        4. J. S. Bach: Complete Flute Sonatas, Vol. 1
        5. Kiev Christmas Liturgy
        6. La Regenta (Sound Track) [Import] [Soundtrack]
        7. Little Red Riding Hood
        8. Lutoslawski at the Guildhall, Vol. 1
        9. Maurice Ravel: Complete Solo Piano Works
        10. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Complete Recording)

        Music Track

        music track

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