The pastoral genre, which Acis and Galatea belongs to, idealizes the countryside as an Arcadia where little work is done and the main troubles stem from unrequited love.
Recording & Production
This recording of Handel's Acis and Galatea was previously released on Delos International and was recorded at the Seattle Opera House in March 1991.
Composition History
The English version of Acis and Galatea, a masque, was created by Handel in 1718 for James Brydges, Earl of Carnarvon (later Duke of Chandos), with a libretto by John Gay and contributions from Alexander Pope and John Hughes.
Composition History
Handel first set the story of Acis and Galatea in 1708 as a cantata in Naples, possibly for a wedding.
Composition History
In 1732, Handel responded to an unauthorized performance of Acis and Galatea by mounting his own production as a three-act serenata, incorporating elements from his Italian works.
Composer Biography
George Frideric Handel, born in Halle in 1685, initially made his reputation in London as a composer of Italian opera.
Historical Context
Handel's shift from Italian opera to English oratorio was partly influenced by the English public's preference for native forms, as exemplified by John Gay's satirical work, The Beggar's Opera.
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