Alceste (Handel)

Alceste ("Alcides"; HWV 45, HG 46b, HHA I/30) is a masque or semi-opera by George Frideric Handel. It was the only complete theatre project ever attempted by Handel, and he composed the music when he was nearly 65.

It was written as incidental music to a lost play by Tobias Smollett and possibly included song lyrics by Handel's frequent collaborator Thomas Morell,[1] which was rehearsed at Covent Garden Theatre but never performed. There was an overture and songs for Acts 1 and 4, 19 movements in total. It was composed from 27 December 1749 to 8 January 1750. Handel later used the music in The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69, and revivals of Alexander Balus, HWV 65, and Hercules, HWV 60.

Recordings

Rodrigo discography

Recording date	Principal singers	Conductor, Orchestra	Label
July 1979[2][3]	Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Christina Pound, Paul Elliott, Rogers Covey-Crump Catherine Denly, Margaret Cable, Christopher Keyte, David Thomas	Christopher Hogwood, Academy Of Ancient Music	CD: L'Oiseau-Lyre Cat: 421 479-2
Aug 1997[4][5]	Stéphanie Révidat, Roxanne Comiotto, Jean Delescluse, François Bazola	Franck-Emmanuel Comte, Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu	CD: Absalon Cat: LCHD897
Nov 2011[6]	Lucy Crowe, Benjamin Hulett, Andrew Foster-Williams	Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company	CD: Chandos Early Music Cat: CHAN0788

References

1. King, Richard G. (Spring 2009). "Who Wrote the Texts for Handel's "Alceste?"". The Musical Times. 150 (1906): 93–96. JSTOR 25597605.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
2. July 1979 Alceste The Academy Of Ancient Music Discogs.com
3. July 1979 Alceste The Academy Of Ancient Music Arkivmusic.com
4. Aug 1997 Alcaste Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu Classical.net
5. Aug 1997 Alcaste Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu Odb Opera.com
6. Nov 2011 Alcaste Early Opera Company Discogs.com

External links

• Libretto