Handel: Theodora
5054197177910 (Erato, CD, 3 discs)
FIRST RELEASE (28 October 2022)
Playing time: 78'38"/52'44"/47'26" - TT 178'48"
Tracks: 30 + 26 + 22
Booklet pages: 52
℗ 2022 Parlophone Records Ltd
© 2022 Parlophone Records Ltd
Main country of recording: Germany
Reviewer: Gerald Fenech
Review of Handel: Theodora published on 10 October 2022
Lisette Oropesa, soprano (Theodora)
Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano (Irene)
Michael Spyres, tenor (Septimius)
John Chest, baritone (Valens)
Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, countertenor (Didymus)
Il Pomo d'Oro Choir
Giuseppe Maletto, choir director
Il Pomo d'Oro Orchestra
Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759):
Theodora, HWV 68 - oratorio in three parts, to a libretto by Thomas Morell
CD1
1 Overture
2 Trio
3 Courante
4-30 Part I
CD2
1-26 Part II
CD3
1-22 Part III
This recording of Handel's masterpiece Theodora features a truly star-studded cast, with Lisette Oropesa in the title role. Joyce DiDonato as Irene, Michael Spyres as Septimius, John Chest as Valens and Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian as Didymus. Following great critical acclaim for recent performances in Europe and DiDonato's performance at the Royal Opera House earlier this year, this new version of the dramatic oratorio is accompanied by Il Pomo d'Oro orchestra and choir, conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev.
Recorded 26–29 November 2021 at Alfried Krupp Saal, Philharmonie Essen, Germany.