Credits:

NHK

Description:

The Occasional Oratorio was composed in January-February 1746. The oratorio was premiered on February 14, just after the completion of the work, and is an "anthology" oratorio in which many of his own works were used. As one listener can tell, the melody from the Concerto Op.6 and the melody from "Fireworks at the Royal Palace" (also adapted from the oratorio), and many other familiar melodies are a delight to the ear. Of course, it also incorporates superbly crafted arias and moving choruses, and it is said that the audience who heard the first performance in 1746 praised it as "Handel's finest work. This performance is the world premiere recording using the new edition of the complete Halle Handel cycle. This is a lively performance by Armand, who brings together the mellow sounds of Julia Doyle, who specializes in this piece, veteran singers, chorus, and the period instrument ensemble "Berlin Academy of Ancient Music". Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Overture in D minor
2.Why do the gentiles tumult
3.Let us break off by strength of hand
4.O Lord, how many are my foes!
5.Him or his God we not fear!
6.Jehovah, to my words give ear
7.Him or his God we scorn to fear
8.The Highest who in Heav'n doth swell
9.O who shall pour into my swollen eyes
10.Fly from the treatning vengeance
11.Humbled with fear and awful reverence
12.His sceptre is the rod of righteousness
13.Be wise at lenght, ye Kings
14.Of many millions the populous rout
15.Jehovah is my shield, my glory
16.Fools or madmen stand not within thy sight
17.God found them guilty
18.O Liberty, thou choicest treasure
19.Who trust in God
20.Phophetic visions strike my eye
21.May God, from whom all mercies spring
22.The Lord hath leard my pray'r
23.Then will I Jehovah's praise
24.All his mercies shall endure
25.How great and many perils do enfold the righteous man
26.After long storms and tempests are overblwon
27.To God, our strength, sing loud and clear
28.He has his mansion fix'd on high
29.Hallelujah!
30.Sinfonia in G major
31.I will sing unto the Lord
32.Who is like unto Thee, oh Lord
33.He gave them hailstones for rain
34.When warlike ensigns wave on high
35.The enemy said: I will pursue