HANDEL: Oratorio Arias and Dramatic Scenes - Karen Gauvin; Tempo Rubato

Shortly after the premieres of Handel's oratorios, their overtures and arias were published and enjoyed wide circulation. They were sung at home, at concerts in public amusement parks such as Vauxhall Gardens, and at music gatherings across the country. In many places, amateur and professional musicians met regularly to perform orchestral music, and the menu was varied with the latest and most popular oratorio tunes. The program of the present recording is inspired by such encounters — although here we are talking about professional musicians.

1. Saul | Sinfonia Allegro | George Frideric Handel

2. Saul | Larghetto | George Frideric Handel

3. Saul | Allegro | George Frideric Handel

4. Saul | Andante larghetto | George Frideric Handel

5. Saul | Air "O, Lord…" | George Frideric Handel

6. Messiah | Air "But who may abide" | George Frideric Handel

7. Messiah | Concerto grosso, op. 3 no 6 (Allegro) | George Frideric Handel

8. Messiah | Air "If God be for us" | George Frideric Handel

9. Solomon | Ouverture Grave - Allegro | George Frideric Handel

10. Solomon | Allegro | George Frideric Handel

11. Solomon | Air "Almighty Power" | George Frideric Handel

12. Solomon | Récitatif "Bless'd be the Lord" - Air "What though I trace" | George Frideric Handel

13. Theodora | Ouverture Grave - Allegro | George Frideric Handel

14. Theodora | Trio | George Frideric Handel

15. Theodora | Courante | George Frideric Handel

16. Theodora | Air "As with rosy steps" | George Frideric Handel