About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

On the lukewarm response initially accorded to his Theodora, Handel is said to have remarked that "the Jews will not come to it because it is a Christian story, and the ladies will not because it is a virtuous one." Unique among Handel's works, this dramatic oratorio is set in the Christian era (fourth century) and ends tragically, with the hero and heroine's martyrdom by the Romans. But in its wealth of melody, its beautiful choruses, and its profuse variety of arias, Theodora is also vintage Handel, ranking among his most inspired achievements. Paul McCreesh's recording with the Gabrieli Consort and Players must compete with the very distinguished version led by Nicholas McGegan with leading Handelian mezzo Lorraine Hunt in the title role. Still, McCreesh holds his own and then some, giving us Susan Gritton, whose achievements in baroque music have been scarcely less notable. With her subtle, expressive approach, Gritton may be the more appealing Theodora, capturing the character's purity of faith most memorably in arias such as "Fond, flatt'ring world, adieu!" and "With darkness deep." The rest of McCreesh's cast -- all British, all baroque specialists -- are equally impressive. Countertenor Robin Blaze, as the Roman who converts for love of Theodora and dies with her, uses his sweet voice to apt effect; mezzo Susan Bickley as Theodora's friend Irene and tenor Paul Agnew as the sympathetic Roman Septimius are both more than agile enough to make a strong impression in some of Handel's more virtuosic music. The small chorus of the Gabrieli Consort could perhaps use a bit more heft, but this is a minor quibble, especially when the musicians of the Gabrieli Players make such beautiful sounds on their period instruments throughout, not least in the "Symphony of Soft Musick" from Act II. Theodora may have found little success in its own time, but recordings like this one reveal beyond any doubt that this oratorio is one for the ages. Scott Paulin, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating: