Notes and Editorial Reviews
Handel’s opera 'Alessandro', first performed at the King’s Theatre, Haymarket in London on 5 May 1726, was one of the composer’s most successful works for the stage. This opera displays Handel at the pinnacle of his career and enjoyed repeated performances over a period of several years. However, in modern times, 'Alessandro' has remained one of Handel’s least performed operas. Alexander’s heroic exploits only provide a background to the amorous dalliances, in which the eponymous hero cuts a pretty poor figure. Admittedly, the singer of the role is faced with eight arias in which he is forced to perform the most heroic deeds: the castrato Senesino was at this time the undisputed star of Handel’s operatic enterprise - a hard act to follow.
Handel’s opera 'Alessandro', first performed at the King’s Theatre, Haymarket in London on 5 May 1726, was one of the composer’s most successful works for the stage. This opera displays Handel at the pinnacle of his career and enjoyed repeated performances over a period of several years. However, in modern times, 'Alessandro' has remained one of Handel’s least performed operas. Alexander’s heroic exploits only provide a background to the amorous dalliances, in which the eponymous hero cuts a pretty poor figure. Admittedly, the singer of the role is faced with eight arias in which he is forced to perform the most heroic deeds: the castrato Senesino was at this time the undisputed star of Handel’s operatic enterprise - a hard act to follow. Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Alessandro, HWV 21 by George Frideric Handel
Performer:
Andrew Finden (Baritone),
Martin Oro (Countertenor),
Yetzabel Arias Fernandez (Soprano),
Sebastian Kohlhepp (Tenor),
Lawrence Zazzo (Countertenor),
Rebecca Raffell (Alto)
Conductor:
Michael Form
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Deutsche Handel Solisten
Period: Baroque
Written: 1726; London, England
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