Handel’s Semele: a guide to the greatest recordings
Handel’s 1744 stage work sits somewhere between opera and oratorio, and shocked early audiences with its erotic sensuality.
Richard Wigmore seeks out the finest recorded versions of Handel's Semele, a work that after Handel had finally abandoned Italian opera, was paired with the sacred oratorio Joseph and his Brethren for the 1744 season.
The libretto, written by William Congreve, is based on Ovid and was considered profane, especially when compared to the sacred oratorios that were popular at the time, such as Samson and Messiah.
Richard Wigmore seeks out the finest recorded versions
Author's summary: Exploring Handel's Semele recordings.
- Handel’s Semele was first performed in 1744.
- The work is based on a libretto by William Congreve, derived from Ovid.
- It was considered profane and shocked early audiences with its erotic sensuality.