Vivaldi: Juditha Triumphans (Oratorio) / Budapest Madrigal Choir, Hungarian State Orchestra / Classical Diamonds 2x Audio CD 1996

UPC: Not listed 

MPN: CLD 4022-23 

Brand Name: Classical Diamonds

Overview

Juditha triumphans devicta Holofernis barbarie (Judith Triumphant over the Barbarians of Holofernes), RV 644, is the only surviving oratorio by Antonio Vivaldi. Composed around 1716–1717, it celebrates the Venetian victory over the Turks during the siege of Corfu. The Latin libretto, by Iacopo Cassetti, dramatizes the biblical story of Judith, blending allegory with Baroque theatricality.

This 2-CD set presents a historically informed performance with Hungarian soloists and ensembles: the Budapest Madrigal Choir and Hungarian State Orchestra, conducted by Ferenc Szekeres. The performance captures the oratorio’s heroic, sacred, and ceremonial qualities, from vigorous choruses to expressive arias, making it a landmark recording for Baroque vocal enthusiasts.

Product Features

• Format: 2 x Audio CD, Album
• Label: Hungaroton – CLD 4022-23
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1996
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Baroque, Sacred Oratorio

• Soloists:

  Choir: Budapest Madrigal Choir
  • Contralto (Juditha) – Zsuzsa Barlay
  • Soprano (Abra) – Margit László
  • Baritone (Holofernes) – Zsolt Bende
  • Tenor (Servo Vagans, Ozias) – Jozsef Reti, Jozsef Dene
• Orchestra: Hungarian State Orchestra
• Conductors: Ferenc Szekeres (orchestra), György Czigány (choir)

Interesting Facts

• Vivaldi’s oratorio was commissioned to commemorate Venice’s military victory at Corfu in 1716.
• The overture of Juditha triumphans is lost, but the remainder survives completely intact, including elaborate choruses, duets, and virtuosic solo arias.
• This recording features Hungarian vocalists who bring clarity, warmth, and dramatic intensity to the work, with historically informed accompaniment by Il Hungarian State Orchestra.
• The oratorio is considered one of Vivaldi’s masterpieces for vocal music, blending religious devotion, dramatic storytelling, and Baroque orchestral brilliance.

Track Listing

Pars Prior (Disc 1)

1. Arma, Caedes (Chorus)
2. Recitative: Felix Et Fausta Dies (Holofernes)
3. Aria: Nil Arma, Nil Bella (Holofernes)
4. Recitative: Domine Mi (Vagans, Holofernes)
5. Aria: Matrona Inimica (Vagans)
6. Recitative: Veni Foemina Illustris (Vagans)
7. Aria: Quo Cum Patriae (Juditha)
8. Aria: Vultus Tui Vago Splendori (Abra)
9. Recitative: Huc Accedat Matrona (Holofernes)
10. O Quam Vaga (Chorus, Abra)
11. Recitative: Quem Vides Prope (Vagans, Holofernes, Juditha)
12. Aria: Quanto Magis Generosa (Juditha)
13. Recitative: Magna, O Foemina Petis (Holofernes, Juditha)
14. Aria: Sede, O Cara (Holofernes)
15. Recitative: Felix Ero (Holofernes, Juditha)
16. Aria: Agitata Infido Flatu (Holofernes)
17. Recitative: Quam Audaciter (Abra)
18. Aria: Quamvis Ferro (Abra)
19. Recitative: In Tentorio Supernae (Holofernes, Vagans)
20. Aria: Veni, Veni, Me Sequere (Juditha)
21. Aria: O Servi Volate (Vagans)
22. Recitative: Venio Juditha (Abra)
23. Aria: Fulgeat Sol Frontis (Abra)
24. Recitative: In Urbe Interim (Abra)
25. Mundi Rector (Chorus, Abra)

Pars Altera (Disc 2)

1. Recitative: Summi Regis In Mente (Ozias)
2. Aria: O Sydera, O Stellae (Ozias)
3. Recitative: Iam Saevientis In Hostem (Ozias, Holofernes)
4. Aria: Nox Obscura (Holofernes)
5. Recitative: Quid, Quid Splendet (Juditha)
6. Aria: Transit Aetas (Juditha)
7. Recitative: Haec In Crastinum (Holofernes, Juditha)
8. Aria: Noli O Cara (Holofernes)
9. Recitative: Tibi Dona Salutis (Juditha, Holofernes)
10. Plena Nectare Non Mero (Chorus)
11. Recitative: Tormenta Mentis Tuae (Holofernes)
12. Aria: Vivat In Pace (Juditha)
13. Aria: Non Ita Reducem (Juditha)
14. Recitative: Summe Astrorum Creator (Juditha)
15. Aria: In Somno Profundo (Juditha)
16. Recitative: Impii, Indigni Tiranni (Juditha)
17. Recitative: Abra, Abra Accipe Munus (Juditha, Abra)
18. Aria: Si Fulgida Per Te (Abra)
19. Recitative: In Tentorio Pallet (Vagans)
20. Aria: Armatae Face (Vagans)
21. Quam Insolita Luce (Ozias)
22. Recitative: Eia Virgines Sion (Ozias)
23. Salve Invicta (Chorus)

Publishers

• Label: Hungaroton – CLD 4022-23
• Country of Release: Hungary
• Soloists & Ensemble: Zsuzsa Barlay, Margit László, Zsolt Bende, Jozsef Reti, Jozsef Dene, Budapest Madrigal Choir, Hungarian State Orchestra
• Conductors: Ferenc Szekeres (orchestra), György Czigány (choir)

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