Handel: Belshazzar
Allan Clayton (Belshazzar, King of Babylon), Rosemary Joshua (Nitocris), Iestyn Davies (Daniel, Hebrew Prophet), Caitlin Hulcup (Cyrus: Persian Prince), Jonathan Lemalu (Gobrias, Assyrian Nobleman), Jean-Yves Ravoux (Arioch, Babylonian Lord), Geoffroy Buffière, Thibaut Lenaerts, Michael-Loughlin...
Here is an orchestral sound of defiant grandeur expressive and uninhibited choral singing, an energy suggestive of live performance, and a quirky balance that highlights a sinuous viola line...
Handel: Belshazzar
Allan Clayton (Belshazzar, King of Babylon), Rosemary Joshua (Nitocris), Iestyn Davies (Daniel, Hebrew Prophet), Caitlin Hulcup (Cyrus: Persian Prince), Jonathan Lemalu (Gobrias, Assyrian Nobleman), Jean-Yves Ravoux (Arioch, Babylonian Lord), Geoffroy Buffière, Thibaut Lenaerts, Michael-Loughlin...
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Here is an orchestral sound of defiant grandeur expressive and uninhibited choral singing, an energy suggestive of live performance, and a quirky balance that highlights a sinuous viola line...
About
A new label by an Artist for the Artists; an outstanding first release.
“Belshazzar was first performed in 1745, under difficult conditions. Ever the pragmatist, Handel did not hesitate to revise his work to adapt to the various constraints of the premiere and its subsequent revivals. Surprisingly unscrupulous, he frequently accepted the most dreadful compromises involving mutilating cuts, transpositions, sacrificing his inspiration in order to facilitate a performance. For this recording we have chosen what we consider to be the most successful of the various versions of Belshazzar given in his lifetime, resulting in the restoration of the piece in all its splendour, with the best of the music and a coherent libretto. I am particularly pleased that the first production for our new label does justice to a libretto whose subject is so relevant today: the decline of a once glorious society and the ephemeral nature of Empire. In Belshazzar everything hits the spot: the emotional power, the vivid imagery, the contemporary resonance. How could one not be struck by the majestic architecture of the choruses; by the characterisation of Belshazzar himself, irascible, alcoholic, affronting the divine word? Andwho could not be deeply moved by Nicrotis’grief at witnessing the downfall of her son, or by the extraordinary complicity that develops between herself and Cyrus, the conquering King of the persians? From beginning to end the piece is carried along by Jennen’s humanity and the universality of Handel’s music. I have opted for a very fine and entirely Anglophone cast. All of us had our hearts set on restoring the dramatic force and emotional power to this magnificent music. Other considerations influenced our choice — the very scale of Belshazzar made it possible to draw on a large number of musicians and singers who have been part of Les Arts Florissants for many ears, ensuring the recording bears the unmistakeable stamp of the company” William Christie
Bonus Essay by Jean Echenoz: In Babylon
A specially commissioned work which draws the reader deep into the ancient, majestic city, the seat of power of Belshazzar the King. Printed apart on special paper and included in the boxset, alongside the regular booklet.
Artists
Allan Clayton (Belshazzar, King of Babylon), Rosemary Joshua (Nitocris), Iestyn Davies (Daniel, Hebrew Prophet), Caitlin Hulcup (Cyrus: Persian Prince), Jonathan Lemalu (Gobrias, Assyrian Nobleman), Jean-Yves Ravoux (Arioch, Babylonian Lord), Geoffroy Buffière, Thibaut Lenaerts, Michael-Loughlin Smith, Damian Witheley
Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
Christmas 2013
Here is an orchestral sound of defiant grandeur expressive and uninhibited choral singing, an energy suggestive of live performance, and a quirky balance that highlights a sinuous viola line here, a pop of bassoon there… with a vivid timbral and dynamic range… the whole is so dynamic as to raise the Handelian bar.
December 2013
[Clayton's] characterisation astutely descends from carefree charm to self-destructive sneering...sweetly compassionate singing from Iestyn Davies...Hulcup is ideally authoritative and articulate as the Persian monarch Cyrus...The choir of Les Arts Florissants acquit themselves with full honours in Handel's imaginative dramatic narrative choruses
16th May 2014
the whole crew know their roles inside out and this comes across in the recording...[Clayton's] warm, bright tenor sounds almost heroic at times...Joshua captures all of the character’s contradictions and traumas...Iestyn Davies is predictably superb as Daniel...The orchestral playing is top notch throughout.
10th January 2014
Clayton’s bright, impetuous characterisation of Belshazzar stands as one of the many enlivening features...[Christie's] experienced conducting, coupled with clearly articulated choral singing and lively orchestral playing, finds the pulse of the oratorio’s varied pacing and temperament with a sure, vitalising hand.
13th December 2013
Belshazzar is delivered with ringing zest by Allan Clayton, Rosemary Joshua and other top Brits, and an orchestra forever on the boil
New York Times 1st January 2014
a vivid, expressive reading
Early Music Today December 2013
The soloists...sing superbly, while Les Arts Florissants and William Christie do sumptuous Justice to the music’s grandeur and beauty. A triumphant debut!
Opera Now
Everything is as accurate as you’d expect, but too much drama and spirit is sacrificed in the pursuit of directionless beauty...Davies turns his astonishing voice to a mellifluous Daniel, Allan Clayton is a ringing, forthright Belshazzar and Jonathan Lemalu sings some of Handel’s most characterful bass music with much expression.
