THE RAPTUR'D SOUL: Guadagni - Handel's oratorio castrato
Baroque Encounter enjoy devising and presenting new programmes of baroque chamber music. The programme below is was devised for counter tenor, recorder(s) and keyboard. Though the recitals are normally created for the harpsichord many are able to be adapted for piano. We are always happy to work to new ideas and requirements... just contact us!
Castrato Gaetano Guadagni (1725-1792) was the original interpreter of Handel's Didymus in Theodora and Gluck's Orfeo. In the last 10 years of his life, Handel added alto arias to Messiah for him and invited him to sing in the premiere of The Choice of Hercules, as well as many oratorio revivals - he was Handel's oratorio castrato of choice.
Through spoken introductions and music this recital explores the castrato's life, career and music. |