Handel: Samson

Butt, John, Dunedin Consort & Players

CKD 599

Dunedin Consort’s pioneering recording presents a brand new performing version of one of Handel’s greatest dramatic works, Samson. • For the first time listeners can enjoy an authentic Handelian chorus, comprising both solo sopranos and boy trebles – a sonority largely unheard in the modern age. • The singers available to Handel for the work’s first set of performances in 1743 varied considerably, leading many researchers to speculate upon the composer’s own preferences. • But new thinking by director John Butt has led to the evolution of this recording and to what he considers to be the definitive performance in line with Handel’s intentions. • This powerful oratorio – an opera in all but name – features Joshua Ellicott in the title role with soloists Sophie Bevan, Matthew Brook, Mary Bevan, Hugo Hymas, Jess Dandy, Vitali Rozynko and Fflur Wyn. • Matching the revelatory historical practice begun in its award-winning recording of Messiah (Dublin Version, 1742), the soloists lead their sections to unite the solo and choral forces, creating a highly effective and cohesive sound. • With rich orchestration and highlights such as ‘Let the bright seraphim’ and ‘Total eclipse’, Samson is Dunedin Consort’s most ambitious undertaking to date.

CD x 3

Linn

4.11.2019

0691062059923

BBC Music Magazine: 'Recording of the Month' (January 2020), BBC Music Magazine: 'The best classical albums released in 2020', MusicWeb International: 'Recording of the Year' (2019), ResMusica: 'Clef ResMusica' (2019)