ABOUT THE RECORDING
The oratorio La Resurrezione (Resurrection) was created by Händel in Rome in 1708, where operas were forbidden at the time, and aristocratic houses competed directly in the private presentation of cantatas and oratorios, which were as close as possible to the forbidden fruit. The libretto was written by the prominent poet Carlo Sigismondo Capece (1652–1728) and the text is characterized by classical sophistication and characteristic references to nature. The drama takes place on two levels, the supernatural being represented by the Angel and Lucifer, the earthly Mary by Cleophas and Mary Magdalene, and St. John. The central position is occupied by the angel pervading the two worlds, but the main heroine is Mary Magdalene, conceived not as a sinner, but as a merciful and faithful human soul. Unusually favorable circumstances, plenty of time, resources, a great libretto and undoubtedly also an extremely inspiring environment, all led the young composer to top performances, which he later used many times when he repeatedly processed music from his first spiritual oratorio in his later compositions.
St. Wenceslas Music Festival, 2010
Published in cooperation with SHF, Czech Television & Radio Ostrava and Collegium 1704.
