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Handel’s Semele was composed in June and July 1743 to a text by William Congreve. Originally adapted from Ovid’s Metamorphoses for John Eccles, this work was never performed during Eccles’ lifetime. First performed in February 1744, Semele did not have the popularity of many of Handel’s other oratorios. Telling the story of the Greek gods and their sexual affairs, was not perhaps appreciated by Handel’s public.

This recording, dating from 1975, features many front-rank singers in their prime: Felicity Palmer, Robert Tear, Sheila Armstrong and others. While Somary’s work is certainly sturdy and imaginative, it is dated. Handel is not performed in the same manner today. His choirs are dense, and his orchestra a bit stiff, but the beauty of the music irons out such small details.

The recording is mediocre. It is very flat. All the musicians and singers sound as though they are on the same plane. In addition, the balance between some of the singers, during duets and recitatives, is not very good. This detracts slightly from the overall impression of this recording. Some of the singing is brilliant, leading the listener to almost forget the drawbacks.

Sheila Armstrong is a fine Semele. She shines in her arias, her voice ringing out with clarity and energy. In the final act, she has many memorable moments, especially the long aria in scene three of the third act. At times, however, it is hard to understand what she is singing from overuse of vibrato. This is an operatic voice, not a baroque voice. She uses a great deal of energy, sometimes detracting slightly from the overall musicality of the work.

I regret the lack of any information about the recording. While the liner notes discuss the plot, there is not even a list of the titles of the arias and choruses. There is a track list, but it says nothing more than "aria" or "recitative". Needless to say, there is no libretto either, but that’s par for the course with Regis’s budget reissues. It would be nice if they could at least make these texts available on their web site.

This is a very good, though dated recording of one of Handel’s less popular oratorios. The fine singers give very good performances, and the music is excellent.

Kirk McElhearn

 

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