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Atalanta (Acts 1 and 2)

Ian Skelly presents a performance of Handel's Atalanta, composed in 1736 for the wedding of Prince Frederick of Wales. Nicholas McGegan directs soprano Dominique Labelle.

Radio 3's cycle of Handel operas continues with Atalanta, a pastoral tale of kings and queens, shepherds and shepherdesses, with the customary plot lines of mistaken identities, scorned love, jealousy, near disaster and last-minute resolutions in time for a happy ending.

The opera was composed in 1736 for the wedding of Prince Frederick of Wales, and is rarely heard. This production is directed by Handel expert Nicholas McGegan, who joins Ian Skelly to discuss the work.

Handel: Atalanta

Atalanta, Princess of Arcadia ...... Dominique Labelle (soprano)
Meleagro, King of Etolia ...... Susanne Ryden (soprano)
Irene, a shepherdess ...... Cecile van de Sant (mezzo-soprano)
Amintas, A shepherd ...... Michael Slattery (tenor)
Nicander, father of Irene ...... Philip Cutlip (baritone)
Mercury ...... Corey McKern (baritone)
Hanover Opera Chamber Choir
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Nicholas McGegan (director).

2 hours, 58 minutes

Last on

Thu 22 Oct 2009 14:02

Broadcast

  • Thu 22 Oct 2009 14:02