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Album Summary
Conductor Ensembles ComposersNotes & Reviews:
After finishing the chorus ‘How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees’ in February 1751, Handel noted in the autograph score that he couldn’t continue his work on Jephtha because of eye problems. Later in the year, he regained his eyesight and was able to complete the work in the autumn. The problems returned however, and in January 1753 a London newspaper reported that ‘Mr Handel has at length, unhappily, quite lost his sight’. Jephtha was thus to become Handel's last oratorio, and indeed his last major work. It is nevertheless no less a masterpiece than his earlier works, and contains some of his noblest music. The plot of this ‘Sacred Drama’ is loosely based on the story of Jephtha in the Old Testament: a father who in order to win the the Israelites’ struggle against the Ammonites makes a rash promise to God, and after his victory is compelled to sacrifice his own daughter. The situation gives rise to music of touching poignancy, as well as great choral set pieces. This rousing live performance, recorded in 2008 in the Stavanger Concert Hall, boasts a roster of soloists headed by the fine British tenor James Gilchrist as Jephtha, as well as the eminent Belgian choir Collegium Vocale Gent, all backed up by the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. At the helm of these large forces is Fabio Biondi, the Baroque violinist and conductor who since 2005 has been artistic director of the Stavanger orchestra in the baroque and classical repertoires.
BBC Music Magazine
The expressive singing of Collegium Vocale Gent is one of the most attractive elements in Fabio Biondi's live recording of Jephtha. The choir sound more freethan they do under their founder, Philippe Herreweghe...Biondi is a meticulous orchestral trainer. Stavanger Symphony Orchestra adapts well to the stylistic demands of this work
Classic FM Magazine
James Gilchrist's Jephtha shows tangible horror at his backfired vow...Mona Julsrud is believable as the butter-wouldn't-melt daughter...Biondi whips the Gent chorus into fruity Israelites
Gramophone Magazine
The Stavanger Symphony Orchestra plays modern instruments in an authoritative baroque style; the crisp overture is neatly detailed...Gilchrist's rapid passagework and florid cadenza in "His mighty arm" are marvellous. The Norwegians Marianne B Kielland and Mona Julsrud are on vibrant form in the love duet "These labours past"
International Record Review
Biondi is always a dramatically alert Handelian...I can't fault Gilchrist's beautiful singing of 'Waft her, angels'...It's the crowning moment of a very fine performance. Norwegian soprano Mona Julsrud's bright bell-like tone is perfect for Iphis's 'The smiling dawn of happy days' and 'Tune the soft melodious flute' and there is genuine poignancy as she faces the sacrificial knife.
Recording information: Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (02/07/2008); Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (2008-08-29&2008-09-01&2008-).
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Works Details
Handel, George Frideric : Jephtha - Conductor: Fabio Biondi
- Ensemble: Collegium Vocale Gent
- Notes: Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (02/07/2008); Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (2008-08-29&2008-09-01&2008-)
- Running Time: 144 min. 29 sec.
- Period Time: Baroque
- Form: Cantata/Oratorio
- Written: 1752
Sound, Recorded : Applause - Conductor: Fabio Biondi
- Ensemble: Collegium Vocale Gent
- Notes: Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (02/07/2008); Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway (2008-08-29&2008-09-01&2008-)
- Period Time: Medieval
