The Nine German Arias are unique in Handel's work for their musical intimacy, as he later composed almost exclusively large-scale forms like operas and oratorios.
Interpretation
The performers deliberately chose not to adhere to historical performance practice, believing that audiences today hear music differently than in Handel's time.
Composition History
George Frideric Handel wrote these Nine German Arias between 1724 and 1727, using sacred texts by the Hamburg poet Barthold Heinrich Brockes.
Performer Biography
Bernhard Wünsch, the pianist and arranger, has conducted numerous operas, operettas, and ballets across Europe and beyond, including modern works and large symphonic pieces.
Composer Biography
Handel, a German Protestant, had already lived in London for twelve years when he wrote these arias, where he was known for his Italian operas and oratorios.
Recording & Production
The album features arrangements where the violin is used as the melody instrument throughout, except for one aria where the cello plays the instrumental part.
Performer Biography
Eilika Wünsch, the soprano on this recording, had an international festival named in her honor in Fukushima, Japan, in 2009, which was repeated the following year.
You might also enjoy...
Rameau: Castor et Pollux, RCT 32, Act I Scene 3: Tristes apprêts
