Eternal Heaven - Dunford - Audio CD (Arrives in 50 days)

Eternal Heaven is a collection of sublimely beautiful arias and duets by Handel. Conceived as a spiritual experience, it ranges from blissful serenity to urgent drama as it tells a love story. All the numbers, sung to English texts, have been selected from Handel oratorios by the lutenist Thomas Dunford and the mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre, both exclusive Erato artists. They are joined by the British countertenor Iestyn Davies and by the instrumentalists of Dunford’s Jupiter Ensemble. Expressing the narrative behind the programme, Thomas Dunford has described Eternal Heaven as “a baroque West Side Story”. It draws on works with both sacred and secular elements, including the Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (‘Eternal source of light divine’), Theodora, Solomon and Semele. BBC Radio 3 has called it “A very contemporary take on some great Handel favourites.”

Tracklist

1. Ode For the Birthday of Queen Anne, Hwv 74 Eternal Source O
2. Theodora, Hwv 68 With Darkness Deep
3. The Choice of Hercules, Hwv 69 Yet, Can I Hear That Dulcet L
4. Hercules, Hwv 60 Joys of Freedom
5. Theodora, Hwv 68 As With Rosy Steps the Morn Advancing
6. Semele, Hwv 58 Despair No More Shall Wound Me
7. Solomon, Hwv 67 Will the Sun Forget To Streak
8. Susanna, Hwv 66 To My Chaste Susanna's Praise
9. Saul, Hwv 53 Oh Lord, Whose Mercies Numberless
10. Joseph and His Brethren, Hwv 59 Prophetic Raptures Swell My
11. Theodora, Hwv 68 Thither Let Our Hearts Aspire!
12. Suite No 4 In D Minor, Hwv 437: Sarabande
13. Semele, Hwv 58 Prepare, Then, Ye Immortal Choir
14. Semele, Hwv 58 Hence, Iris, Hence Away
15. The Triumph of Time & Truth, Hwv 71 Guardian Angels
16. Occasional Oratorio, Hwv 62 Fly From the Threat'ning Vengean
17. Semele, Hwv 58 You've Undone Me
18. Esther, Hwv 50 Who Calls My Parting Soul From Death
19. Semele, Hwv 58 No, No, I'll Take No Less
20. Semele, Hwv 58 But Hark ! the Heavenly Sphere Turns Round
21. Theodora, Hwv 68 To Thee Thou Glorious Suit Thy Birth
22. Ghost Track: Doug Balliett & Thomas Dunford: That's So You

Label: Plg Uk Classics | Origin: Holland