Esther, First reconstructable version (Cannons), 1720

Album by George Frideric Handel & Dunedin Consort & John Butt

Esther, First reconstructable version (Cannons), 1720 is a reconstructed version of George Frideric Handel's oratorio Esther, originating in 1720. The reconstruction presents Baroque vocal and orchestral writing characteristic of Handel's early English-period work at Cannons, with recitative-driven drama, choruses and period-style orchestration that illuminate his compositional development in the early 1720s.
First released: 14th May 2012

Tracklist

  1. 1.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I: Overture: Andante
    1:58
  2. 2.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 1: Air: Jehovah, crown'd with glory bright (Priest of the Israelites)
    1:58
  3. 3.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 1: He comes, he comes to end our woes (Chorus)
    4:17
  4. 4.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I: Overture: Larghetto
    2:35
  5. 5.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I: Overture: Allegro
    2:27
  6. 6.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 2: Recitative: Now, O Queen, thy suit declare (Ahasuerus, Esther)
    1:38
  7. 7.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 1: Recitative: 'Tis greater far to spare, than to destroy (Habdonah, Haman)
    0:41
  8. 8.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 2: Accompanied: Turn not, O Queen, thy face away (Haman)
    2:37
  9. 9.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 1: Air: Pluck root and branch from out the land (Haman)
    1:59
  10. 10.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 2: Air: Flatt'ring tongue, no more I hear thee! (Esther)
    4:52
  11. 11.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 2: Recitative: Guards, seize the traitor, bear him hence! (Ahasuerus)
    0:40
  12. 12.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 1: Recitative: Our souls with ardour glow (Persian Officer)
    0:07
  13. 13.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 1: Shall we the God of Israel fear? (Chorus)
    1:51
  14. 14.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 2: Air: How art thou fall'n from thy height! (Haman)
    6:10
  15. 15.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act III, Scene 3: The Lord our enemy has slain (Chorus)
    11:57
  16. 16.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Recitative: Now persecution shall lay by her iron rod (First Israelite)
    0:16
  17. 17.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Air: Tune your harps to cheerful strains (First Israelite)
    4:21
  18. 18.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Shall we of servitude complain (Chorus)
    1:24
  19. 19.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Recitative: O God, who from the suckling's mouth (Israelite Woman)
    0:16
  20. 20.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Air: Praise the Lord with cheerful noise (Israelite Woman)
    5:38
  21. 21.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 2: Shall we of servitude complain
    1:23
  22. 22.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 3: Recitative: How have our sins provok'd the Lord! (Priest of the Israelites)
    1:05
  23. 23.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 3: Ye sons of Israel mourn (Chorus)
    1:52
  24. 24.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 3: Aria: O Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide (Priest of the Israelites)
    7:42
  25. 25.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act I, Scene 3: Ye sons of Israel mourn
    2:01
  26. 26.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 1: Recitative: Why sits that sorrow on thy brow? (Esther, Mordecai)
    1:02
  27. 27.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 1: Air: Dread not, righteous Queen, the danger (Mordecai)
    4:25
  28. 28.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 1: Recitative: I go before the King to stand (Esther)
    0:13
  29. 29.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 1: Air: Tears assist me, pity moving (Esther)
    2:50
  30. 30.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 1: Save us, O Lord (Chorus)
    1:27
  31. 31.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 2: Recitative: Who dares intrude into our presence (Ahasuerus, Esther)
    1:09
  32. 32.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 2: Duet: Who calls my parting soul from death? (Esther, Ahasuerus)
    2:46
  33. 33.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 2: Air: O beauteous Queen, unclose those eyes! (Ahasuerus)
    7:18
  34. 34.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 2: Recitative: If I find favour in thy sight (Esther)
    0:20
  35. 35.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 2: Aria: How can I stay when love invites? (Ahasuerus)
    3:09
  36. 36.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 3: Recitative: With inward joy his visage glows (Third Israelite, Fourth Israelite)
    0:16
  37. 37.
    Esther, HWV 50a: Act II, Scene 3: Virtue, truth and innocence (Chorus)
    2:44

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