Handel – Brockes Passion

This is the audio version of our audiovisual recording of Walter Sutcliffe’s acclaimed stage production of Handel’s Brockes Passion (2.110755/NBD0167V) released in November 2024. The work’s status as one of Handel’s masterpieces is beyond question. As an oratorio this is a work that is typically at home in the concert hall, but this version has the added excitement of live performance, and of having been turned into a form of character-driven stage opera.


8.574552-53

George Frideric HANDEL (1685–1759)
Brockes Passion
The Story of Jesus, Suffering and Dying for the Sins of the World
Oratorio in two parts, HWV 48 (1719)
Libretto by Barthold Heinrich Brockes (1680–1747)
Sung in German

Romelia Lichtenstein, Vanessa Waldhart, Sopranos • Yulia Sokolik, Mezzo-soprano
Robert Sellier, Tenor • Michael Zehe, Bass
Oper Halle Chorus • Händelfestspielorchester Halle
Michael Hofstetter

Barthold Heinrich Brockes was an influential German poet who added reflective and descriptive poetry into the texture of his Passion. Among several musical settings, the most famous is the one by Handel. This acclaimed staged version transports Handel’s Brockes Passion into the opera house, widening the work’s historical narrative to embrace the creation of the world, bringing a message of human greed and destruction into direct contact with the present day. The Händelfestspielorchester Halle, on period instruments, is conducted by Michael Hofstetter.

Listen to Peter’s aria Gift und Glut, Strahl und Flut!
About the Artists
Robert Sellier
Evangelist
Vanessa Waldhart
Daughter of Zion / Maidservant
Yulia Sokolik
Believing Soul
Romelia Lichtenstein
Believing Soul
Leandro Marziotte
Judas / Mercenary
Ki-Hyun Park
Caiaphas / Pilate / Captain / Believing Soul
Audovisual recordings of works by Handel
2.110755 [DVD]
Brockes Passion
Soloists and Chorus of Oper Halle
Händelfestspielorchester Halle
Hofstetter • Stutcliffe
‘There really are some very good solo performances here.’
operaramblings
Also available on Blu-ray (NBD0167V)
2.110387 [DVD]
Messiah
Herfurtner • Petrone • Schade • Immler
Salzburger Bachchor • Bach Consort Wien
Dubrovsky
‘The Salzburger Bachchor sings with both energy and commitment throughout the performance and the Bach Consort Wien matches their effort with precise, spirited playing under the knowing hand of conductor Rubén Dubrovsky.’
Classical Net
Also available on Blu-ray (NBD0061)
2.110776 [DVD]
Theodora
Wagner • Lowrey • Portillo • Hughes • Boulianne
Arnold Schoenberg Chor • La Folia Barockorchester
Mehta • Herheim
Also available on Blu-ray (NBD0184V)
2.110579-80 [DVD]
Agrippina
Bardon • Arditti • Niese • Mineccia
Balthasar Neumann Ensemble
Hengelbrock • Carsen
★★★★
★★★★★
‘The unifying forces throughout this production are the marvelous conducting of Thomas Hengelbrock and playing of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble … Indeed, this is a superb ensemble effort throughout. Both the audio and picture quality are excellent.’
Fanfare
Also available on Blu-ray (NBD0078V)


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