BaL 20.09.14 - Handel: Orlando

[visualnickmos]

Much as I am certain of Handel's genius, for me at least his operas (from the little snippets I've ever heard) don't exactly say "wow - got to get this"

Turgid comes to mind!

Well that went down well. What has happened to the gentle banter and 'conversation' on these boards? Every point made (well - a lot of) seems to be axe grinding. Just say "yes, I like those Ormandy recordings, too" or "Tchaikovsky is great, I'm sure, but just doesn't do it for me" - that sort of thing.....

[doversoul1]

Then you’ve been hearing a wrong kind of snippets

This do?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Turgid comes to mind!

It certainly did - immediately as I read:

Much as I am certain of Handel's genius, for me at least his operas (from the little snippets I've ever heard) don't exactly say "wow - got to get this"

There! Happy now, visnik?

[Roslynmuse]

Much as I am certain of Handel's genius, for me at least his operas (from the little snippets I've ever heard) don't exactly say "wow - got to get this"

Turgid comes to mind!

Have you tried L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato? Not an opera, but a setting (at least for 2/3rds of it) of Milton's poem, with wonderful characterisation, not too much recit (!) and a text that bears reading by itself (for once). I mention it as it was a way for me to get a grip on the operas without language barriers. In even lighter vein, Acis and Galatea is anything but turgid, and Semele might appeal too.

[visualnickmos]

Have you tried L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato? Not an opera, but a setting (at least for 2/3rds of it) of Milton's poem, with wonderful characterisation, not too much recit (!) and a text that bears reading by itself (for once). I mention it as it was a way for me to get a grip on the operas without language barriers. In even lighter vein, Acis and Galatea is anything but turgid, and Semele might appeal too.

Thank you, Roslynmuse. This is indeed, useful information. Constructive instead of condescending. I will certainly act on your kind advice.
I feel that you may make me a Handel convert!

[visualnickmos]

There! Happy now, visnik?

I was always happy! but thanks, anyway.

[amateur51]

Have you tried L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato? Not an opera, but a setting (at least for 2/3rds of it) of Milton's poem, with wonderful characterisation, not too much recit (!) and a text that bears reading by itself (for once). I mention it as it was a way for me to get a grip on the operas without language barriers. In even lighter vein, Acis and Galatea is anything but turgid, and Semele might appeal too.

I attended a concert performance of A&G by John Butt & his crew in a deconsecrated church as part of the York Early Music Festival a few years back & enjoyed it. I would gladly go to another performance. But I doubt that I would rush to buy a copy of a CD for listening to at home.

That's about me, not Handel

[visualnickmos]

But I doubt that I would rush to buy a copy of a CD for listening to at home.

That is very true; sometimes pieces are best heard in situ rather than as a 'takeaway'

[amateur51]

That is very true; sometimes pieces are best heard in situ rather than as a 'takeaway'

As I get older I find this to be the case with many pieces. Perhaps I'm packing them in while I can still get to concerts knowing that there may be plenty of time to devote to listening to CDs once my mobility diminishes.

[visualnickmos]

As I get older I find this to be the case with many pieces. Perhaps I'm packing them in while I can still get to concerts knowing that there may be plenty of time to devote to listening to CDs once my mobility diminishes.

Hello a51,
Sounds like you have exactly the right philosophy. I hope you will get to see and hear many more years of great performances, and being in London is a pretty good vantage point, to say the least!

As an unrelated aside, I haven't the slightest inclination to tune in to the Last Night..... I just wasn't in the mood, or what? - I just don't know... but the programme didn't 'grab me' and all that shouting and audience participation; not for me, I'm afraid...

[Black Swan]

I have just had a check for a recording of Orlando and am now listening the recording i have:

James Bowman
Arleen Auger
Catherine Robbin
Emma Kirkby
David Thomas

The Academy of Ancient Music
Christopher Hogwood

i think that for me this recording will do and don't need another.

[visualnickmos]

I have just had a check for a recording of Orlando and am now listening the recording i have:

James Bowman
Arleen Auger
Catherine Robbin
Emma Kirkby
David Thomas

The Academy of Ancient Music
Christopher Hogwood

i think that for me this recording will do and don't need another.

They are all singers I particularly like - I saw The Academy of Ancient Music with Christopher Hogwood a few years ago and was enchanted by the performance - various pieces. Sounds like this is a very good recording to acquire.

Another good piece of advice and guidance. Thank you.

[Black Swan]

Visualnick,

I agree you often can't go wrong with James Bowman, Arleen Auger and Emma Kirkby. Unlike the previous comment, I do have a libretto.

[Nick Armstrong]

i think that for me this recording will do and don't need another.

Same here

[BBMmk2]

Not many recordings of this work? Is this enough?