Handel & Purcell CD

Handel & Purcell, an album dedicated to two major figures of English Baroque music: George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) and Henry Purcell (1659-1695). Accompanied by Arion Baroque Orchestra, under the direction of Mathieu Lussier, soprano Sophie Naubert explores a repertoire of operatic arias and vocal works that bring together passion, virtuosity, and emotion.Across twelve tracks, the album highlights the expressive richness of these two composers. Handel's celebrated arias, drawn from operas such as Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Rinaldo, Alcina, and Semele, reveal a wide range of emotions, from heartbreak and determination to tenderness and hope. Highlights include Lascia ch'io pianga, Piangerò la sorte mia, and Tornami a vagheggiar.In contrast, Purcell's works offer a more intimate and theatrical approach to vocal expression, featuring iconic pieces such as Music for a while, O let me weep, and the deeply moving When I am laid in earth from Dido and Aeneas.Brought to life by Sophie Naubert's radiant voice and the refined musicianship of Arion Baroque Orchestra, this recording offers a captivating journey through the depths of human emotion, celebrating the beauty, dramatic intensity, and elegance of Baroque music.