Album insights
The 1733-34 season marked the final year of the five-year lease of the Second Academy at the King's Theatre, Haymarket, managed by Handel and impresario Heidegger. It was also the season where Handel's opera troupe competed with the newly formed "Opera of the Nobility" at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. Handel strategically began his season two months earlier to attract the London opera audience first, incorporating a high number of Pasticcios with arias by contemporary composers Vinci and Hasse to counter the competition.
Handel's season featured revivals along with two carefully crafted new works, including "Arianna in Creta," providing much-needed stability with a respectable run of 16 performances. The Daily Journal announced that Parnasso in Festa, a serenata, would be Handel's next entertainment, designed for the upcoming royal wedding celebrations of Princess Anne and Prince William of Orange.
The serenata was a grand affair with lavish celebrations, including performances of Porpora's oratorio by the Opera of the Nobility. The Queen's Chapel at St James's Palace hosted the royal wedding festivities, complete with Handel's anthem. The serenata Parnasso in Festa took inspiration from Greek mythology, focusing on Apollo, the Muses, and the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, offering a night of exquisite entertainment.
The serenata's narrative intertwined mythological and musical elements, highlighting characters like Apollo, Orpheus, and Mars, interweaving a tale of love and celebration. The charm of the music and libretto captivated audiences, echoing themes of joy and celebration, highlighting the mastery of Handel's composition.
Handel's skillful adaptation of music from his previous works ensured a unique and captivating performance, blending old compositions with new creations, enhancing the overall impact of the piece. The memorable performances kept the audience engaged, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Handel's commitment to refining and reviving this piece indicated its significance as a cherished work of art.
The serenata's reception, reviews, and subsequent revivals demonstrate the enduring appeal and value of Handel's Parnasso in Festa, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the splendor of its music and narrative.