Georg Friedrich Händel: Die Wahl des Herakles (The Choice of Hercules) CD

Augér | Hruba-Freiberger | Büchner | Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum | Max Pommer, Conductor

Product Information

• UPC: 4006408672067
• Catalog Number: 67 206
• Format: Digital / CD (DDD - Digital recording, mixing, mastering)
• Genre: Baroque Vocal / Oratorio
• Composer: Georg Friedrich Händel (1685–1759)

• Performers:

  Conductor: Max Pommer
  • Arleen Augér (Soprano - Virtue/Tugend)
  • Venceslava Hruba-Freiberger (Soprano - Pleasure/Lust)
  • Alain Zaepffel (Countertenor - Hercules/Herakles)
  • Eberhard Büchner (Tenor - Attendant on Pleasure)
  • Leipziger Universitätschor (Chorus Master: Max Pommer)
  • Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum Leipzig
• Label: Capriccio / Phoenix
• Recording Year: 1983
• Country of Manufacture: Germany

Overview

This evocative recording features Georg Friedrich Händel’s dramatic oratorio Die Wahl des Herakles (The Choice of Hercules), a Baroque masterpiece that portrays the allegorical struggle between virtue and pleasure through the figure of Hercules. The work’s vivid characterizations are brought to life by the exceptional soloists: Arleen Augér’s noble soprano as Virtue, Venceslava Hruba-Freiberger’s expressive soprano as Pleasure, and Alain Zaepffel’s compelling countertenor as Hercules himself.

Supported by the distinguished Leipziger Universitätschor and the Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum Leipzig under the expert baton of Max Pommer, this re-mastered release delivers clarity, emotional depth, and authentic Baroque style. The nuanced interplay of voices and period instruments makes this recording a significant addition for Baroque vocal music aficionados.

Product Features

• Format: Digital CD with DDD quality recording
• Duration: Approximate length typical for oratorio (~50–60 minutes)

• Key Roles:

  Performers: Leipziger Universitätschor and Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum Leipzig
  • Virtue/Tugend (Soprano)
  • Pleasure/Lust (Soprano)
  • Hercules/Herakles (Countertenor)
  • Attendant on Pleasure (Tenor)
• Conductor: Max Pommer
• Label: Capriccio / Phoenix
• Remastered: Yes, to enhance audio clarity and balance

Interesting Facts

• Allegorical Drama: Händel’s Die Wahl des Herakles vividly dramatizes the ethical choice faced by Hercules between virtue and pleasure, a theme popular in Baroque moral allegories.
• Renowned Soloists: Arleen Augér was known for her pure and agile soprano, while Alain Zaepffel’s countertenor offers a unique timbre to the heroic role of Hercules.
• Leipzig Baroque Tradition: The recording benefits from the historically informed performance tradition of Leipzig ensembles, including the Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum.
• Max Pommer’s Direction: Pommer, a specialist in early music, brings insightful interpretation that balances dramatic tension with lyrical beauty.
• Historical Recording: Originally recorded in 1983, this version has been remastered for enhanced listening quality.

Publishers

Published by Capriccio, produced by Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany.

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