John Nelson, English Chamber Orchertra, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne - George Frideric Handel: Semele (1993)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 828 Mb | Total time: 62:08+45:19+67:12 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Deutsche Grammophon | 435 782-2 | Recorded: 1990
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 828 Mb | Total time: 62:08+45:19+67:12 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Deutsche Grammophon | 435 782-2 | Recorded: 1990
This magnificent performance is without a doubt among the top two or three Handel opera recordings in the catalog. John Nelson outdoes even the period instrument competition, conducting with a vitality and freshness that sweeps all before it. Kathleen Battle is a great Semele (if listening to this woman sing "Myself I Will Adore" isn't a classic example of typecasting, then what is?). But the real palm must go to Marilyn Horne as the jealous Juno, who simply stops the show with her two arias (she sings Ino as well). A very great recording.