Handel: Atlanta / Mcgegan

Dominique Labelle (soprano), Susanne Rydén (soprano), Cécile van de Sant (mezzo-soprano), Michael Slattery (tenor), Philip Cutlip (baritone), Corey McKern (baritone), Philharmonia Chorus, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Nicholas McGegan

In its first year of performance, Handel's 1736 opera Atalanta, recently revived for the first time since the 18th century, concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks. The fireworks on this live recording from 2005, featuring the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra led by Nicholas McGegan, are definitely of the vocal variety. The San Francisco Chronicle raved, "Magnificent... the most vibrant, exhilarating stretch of musical showmanship this organization has offered in many a long season. Not since a decade ago have Philharmonia audiences witnessed a performance so deep, so affecting or so rich in musical splendor... The music is inventive and beautiful throughout… McGegan, a consummate master of this style, led a performance that was at once tender and vivacious, brisk and rhythmically free. .. Even in a cast without a weak link, soprano Dominique Labelle stood out for the grandeur and pathos of her singing in the title role… a breathtaking performance."

Price: $36.98

In stock
ships in 3 to 5 days