Handel: Theodora (complete oratorio)
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GEORG FRIDERIC HANDEL
Handel: Theodora (complete oratorio)
Lisette Oropesa, Joyce DiDonato, Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, Michael Spyres, John Chest / Il Pomo d'Oro, Maxim Emelyanychev
[ Erato / 3 CD Box Set ]
Release Date: Friday 18 November 2022
Five superb singers - Lisette Oropesa, Joyce DiDonato, Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, Michael Spyres and John Chest - portray the characters in Handel's Theodora under the direction of Maxim Emelyanychev, Chief Conductor of the instrumentalists and choral singers of Il Pomo d'Oro. An elevated and moving oratorio, Theodora tells the story of Christian martyrs in ancient Antioch under Roman occupation. Handel considered it among his best works. This recording was made at the end of a concert tour that visited Vienna, Milan, Paris, Luxembourg and Essen. "An evening of top-flight singing of a kind that is only rarely experienced," was how one German reviewer summed up the performance, while in France it resulted in "a state of bliss".
BBC Music Magazine Award Nomination 2023 - Choral
"Those coming to the recording to hear Joyce DiDonato's Irene will not be disappointed - just sample her touching performance of the well-known aria "As with Rosy Steps". Michael Spyres' lyrically supple tone is perfect for "Descend, kind Pity", though his bravura reading of "Dread the fruits of Christian folly" is perhaps even more striking. Il Pomo d'Oro plays with both finesse and panache." classicreview.com
"Joyce di Donato and Michael Spyres, in particular, are truly impressive in their interpretations of the title roles full of overwhelming commitment and audacious singing virtuosity. Indeed, Theodora and Didymus have been brought back to life again. This is an important addition to the Handel discography, in pristine sound quality and informative booklet notes that I warmly recommend, especially to those that are still unacquainted with this glorious masterpiece." ClassicalMusicDaily
