Handel - Semele "Hence, Iris, hence away" Horne, McNair

George Frideric Handel

Semele, HWV 58
"Hence, Iris, hence away"

Libretto: William Congreve
http://www.haendel.it/composizioni/libretti/semele_lib_uk.htm

Premiere: London, Covent Garden, 10 Febbario 1744


In this recording:

Marilyn Horne & Sylvia McNair

English Chamber Orchestra,
Conductor: John Nelson


Juno, queen of the gods as well as goddess of marriage, and her attendant messenger, Iris, enter. Iris tells Juno about the 'new-erected palace' that Jupiter has provided for Semele on Mount Cithaeron. Juno is incensed at her husband's new love and swears an oath of vengeance, not only on Semele but on all 'Agenor's curst race' (Jupiter's previous love had been Europa, daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor and aunt to Semele). Iris warns Juno of the dragons that protect Semele's palace; Juno determines to call on Somnus, god of sleep, who can seal the 'wakeful dragons' eyes' (Hence, Iris, hence away).

Juno:

No more! I'll hear no more.

Awake Saturnia from thy Lethargy;
seize, destroy the cursed Semele.
Scale proud Citheron's top:
snatch her, tear her in thy fury.
And down, down to the Flood of Acheron
let her fall, let her fall:
rolling down the depths of night,
never more to behold the light.

If I th'Imperial Scepter sway —I sware by Hell—
Tremble thou Universe this oath to hear,
not one of curst Agenor's Race to spare.

Iris:

Hear, mighty Queen, while I recount
what obstacles you must surmount;
with adamant the gates are barr'd,
whose etwo fierce dragons guard:
at each approach they lash their forky stings,
and clap their brazen wings:
and as their scaly horrors rise,
they all at once disclose
a thousand fiery eyes,
which never know repose.

Juno:

Hence Iris, hence away,
Far from the realms of day;
O'er Scythian Hills to the Meotian Lake
a speedy flight we'll take:

There Somnus I'll compell
his downy bed to leave and silent cell:
with noise and light I will his peace molest,
nor shall he sink again to pleasing rest,
'till to my vow'd revenge he grants supplies,
and seals with sleep the wakeful dragon's eyes.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• George
• Frideric
• Handel
• Semele
• Iris
• hence
• away
• Juno
• Marilyn
• Horne
• Sylvia
• McNair
• John
• Nelsonclassical

[hillevifan]

could you please post the rest of the scene before this (recitative and iris' aria)

[civileso]

Sure, why not ;)

[Competenzia]

This aria is wonderful! The singer's dark and deep timbre is simply fascinating and the virtuoso ornaments in the da capo part are done perfectly! Thank you for posting it!

[bm1729]

This is a 5-star performance, both for any beginner with Handel or for with the origins of bel canto to Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini.

Marilyn Horne's diction is perfect, especially in "Iris ...." , (unrealistic words by Congreve.). Here as elsewhere she balances words and music perfectly.

Marilyn Horne plays the part here (and elsewhere) of a frightening woman entirely convincingly.

Regards,

Barry

[azucenathegysy]

i love handels music!especially his operas!ms.horne does a wonderful job iam a really big fan of hers!especially sense i found out that she had in her career she had done this type of singing!it really showed that she had very very good vocal sound! sign azucena the gysy

[achantus1]

Handel was able to create great music even from the recitatives and ariosos.

[rakewell2]

wonderful aria, and the recitative is pure fire! Handel, what a genius.

[baritonebynight]

The only Juno/Ino for me! Brava Ms Horne!

[jbfwlinglich]

Anyone have the recital from la scala where she sings this with Martin Katz?

[TheWisemonkey8]

Horne really does nail this! It guarantees complete love and appreciation from the listener.

[zimnaya]

Superb, crisp diction and marvellously exciting, peerless performance by Marilyn Horne.

It was very enjoyable to hear McNair's / Iris' recitative here...

Wonderful Handel!