Handel's "Saul" is considered a masterpiece of dramatic oratorio, particularly for its atmospheric design and large-scale choruses, which are of great dramatic consequence.
Composition History
The libretto for "Saul" was written by Charles Jennens, a wealthy English amateur writer, and the work was composed between July 23 and September 27, 1738.
Recording & Production
The album's producers, Andreas Otto Grimminger and Josef-Stefan Kindler, aim to capture the unique atmosphere of live performances by recording concerts in 2-Track Stereo digital direct.
Recording & Production
This recording is part of the "Maulbronn Monastery Edition," documenting exquisite performances of secular and sacred music in the UNESCO World Heritage Maulbronn Monastery.
Composition History
Handel's oratorio "Saul" was first performed on January 16, 1739, under his direction at the King's Theatre on Hay-Market in London.
Compositional Technique
"Saul" features a significant amount of instrumental music, including new and appealing instrumental colors such as the carillon, trombones, and large drums.
Interpretation
The concerts at Maulbronn Monastery, including this recording, feature historical performance practice using reconstructed historical instruments tuned to pitches common during the composers' lifetimes (a' = 415 Hz for this performance).
You might also enjoy...
Händel/Mozart: Der Messias
Handel : Messiah Highlights
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56
Handel: Saul
Handel: Theodora, HWV 68 (Live)
Handel: Messiah
Ester, Liberatrice del Popolo Ebreo
Handel: Saul, HWV 53
C.P.E. Bach: Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu Wq 240
