And that's frustrating to me. Because Handel wrote more than one oratorio, and all have thrilling choruses. And many of them have -- like "Messiah" -- incredibly beautiful arias.
I always encourage those "Handel lovers" to explore further. Who wouldn't want to hear more of the music they love? I'll be adding this recording of "Jephtha" to my recommendation list. This live performance has an immediacy and energy about it I really like.
This was Handel's final oratorio, completed in 1751. As presented in the Bible, it's a problematic story. The Israelites ask Jephtha to lead them against the pagan Ammonites. If he succeeds, he'll become ruler of Israel. Jephtha asks for God's help. He promises to sacrifice whatever first greets him upon his return home. And not just sacrifice but make a burnt offering to God.
The Ammonites are defeated with divine help. And Jephtha's daughter is the first to greet her victorious father. He's devastated, but his daughter persuades him to keep his word.
He grants her two months to mourn in the hills with her friends. Then she returns, and the Bible vaguely says "he did to her as he had vowed." Yikes!
Over the centuries the story's been tweaked somewhat. Handel's libretto, written by Thomas Morell eliminates the fatal ending. The daughter, now named Iphis, gets a back story. Hamor (sung by a countertenor) is in love with Iphis. When Iphis greets Jephtha, she invokes the vow.
Iphis submits to be sacrificed. But at the last minute -- as in the story of Abraham and Issac -- an angel appears. Iphis is spared to dedicate her life to God, but she can never marry. Hamor is heartbroken, though glad Iphis lives.
This new version allows for a mostly happy ending sung by the principal characters. And it ensures a rousing choral finale, as only Handel can write them.
Dame Jane Glover conducts from the harpsichord, as Handel would have. Under her direction, we get a performance that's both authentic and engaging. The choruses are clean and precise, letting us marvel at Handel's counterpoint. The soloists are first-rate. I particularly enjoyed countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen. His delivery was both warm and expressive.
Lauren Snouffer, soprano, also delivers an exceptional performance. She sings with a rich, crystalline tone that conveys the full emotional weight of Iphis.
That's not to slight the other soloists. This is a solid performance through and through. The recording has a nice ambiance. The performances are close-mic'ed for clarity. But there's still enough space for smooth ensemble blends -- and to let the music breathe.
High recommended -- and not just to those who claim to "love Handel."
George Frideric Handel: Jephtha
David Portillo, tenor; Lauren Snouffer, soprano; Clara Osowski, mezzo-soprano; Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor; Neil Davies, bass-baritone; Katelyn Lee, soprano
Music of the Baroque Chorus and Orchestra; Dame Jane Glover, conductor and harpsichord
Reference Recordings FR-755
2 CD Set
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