Album insights
The rise of opera during the Baroque era saw the emergence of the singer as a superstar, mainly stemming from the operatic culture. Initially slow to embrace opera, the English audience quickly grew fond of it in the early 18th century, especially due to the allure of imported foreign singers. Handel, realizing the receptive market in England for his works, initiated the influx of foreign singers, particularly castrati, on a large scale. This led to extravagant expenditures on lavish payments, settlements, and subscriptions, along with excessive adoration and flattery for these costly imported musicians. The public swarmed in to listen to the highly sought-after foreign singers, prompting a shift towards performing entire operas in a foreign language to avoid the audience's confusion.
Handel's successes and setbacks with his operas in London are well-documented. While his works were initially successful for about 25 years, they were eventually overshadowed by the rising popularity of oratorios around 1735. Despite many of Handel's operas fading into obscurity sooner or later, popular arias from these operas were separately released and frequently performed, ensuring that at least some parts of each opera remained in memory.
The dramatic function of Handel's opera arias typically involved commenting on a situation set up in the preceding recitative rather than advancing the plot. Audiences primarily gathered to hear these arias, with the plot often being of secondary importance. Handel adhered to set rules for distributing the arias among the singers, following the principle that the greater the star, the more arias they received.
This collection features eleven arias tailored for Handel's castrati superstars like Nicolini, Senesino, Carestini, and Conti. These arias were originally sung in Italian by the heroes of the respective operas, with most pieces presented in their original keys. Handel frequently transposed existing arias to suit a new voice, showcasing not only musical treats but also celebrating a significant musical phenomenon of the 20th century with James Bowman, a countertenor who played a pivotal role in promoting Handel's works worldwide. His unique voice, innate musicality, and charismatic stage presence introduced countless audiences to new musical realms.
Following the exceptional success of the opera Rinaldo in 1711, Handel attempted to replicate that magic formula without as much triumph in subsequent operas like Il pastor fido, Teseo, and Amadigi. Despite mixed outcomes, these works contained moments of brilliance in the music, particularly in scenes involving magic and sorcery. Handel's meticulous orchestration and composition stood out in portraying dramatic situations and characters.
The culmination of Handel's troubled opera endeavors led to the increasing popularity of oratorios as his operatic fortunes waned around 1738. Despite facing challenges, especially with competing opera ensembles and dwindling audiences, Handel retained steadfast supporters who appreciated his evolving musical styles and compositions. Handel's innovative approach to operatic composition witnessed in works like Giustino demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing audience tastes and musical preferences.
Alcina, Handel's last successful opera in 1735, showcased exquisite compositions and attracted audiences, largely due to royal patronage. The memorable aria "Verdi prati" became a standout piece, although initially met with resistance from the lead singer Carestini. Handel's confrontational stance and insistence on Carestini performing the aria underscored the composer's unwavering dedication to his craft in the face of artistic challenges.
In January 1723, Ottone's debut at the Haymarket Theatre amidst London's opera frenzy marked another success for Handel, who crafted compelling melodies and a strong cast to captivate audiences. With intricate arias filled with dramatic intensity, Ottone highlighted Teofane's melancholic journey and Ottone's poignant lamentations, displaying Handel's skill in blending emotional depth and musical richness.
The lavish and captivating production of Rinaldo at the Haymarket Theatre in 1711, brimming with theatrical effects and dynamic orchestral accompaniment, showcased Handel's diverse musical abilities and expressive range. Apart from virtuosic performances and dramatic arias, the opera successfully blended enchanting melodies with powerful storytelling, cementing its place as a critical success in Handel's career.
The climax of Giulio Cesare in the second act revealed Handel's masterful orchestration and compositional finesse in depicting Caesar's resilience amidst conspiracies and turmoil. The flowing melodies and intricate ensemble of instruments underscored the emotional depth and intensity of the characters, showcasing Handel's prowess in creating engaging musical narratives.