Georg Frideric Handel - Agrippina - "E un foco", "Ho un non", "Pur ritorno" & "Vieni, o cara"

Here is a list of the cast:

Conductor - John Eliot Gardiner,
Orchestra - English Baroque Soloists,
Agrippina - Della Jones,
Poppea - Donna Brown,
Claudio - Alastair Miles.

No. 6. Aria di Poppea, "E un foco quel d'amore". Though Poppea does not seem to be a completely moral person, her second aria actually points to the fact that she prefers Otho's magnanimous character over Claudius's titles and Nero's future plans, as she asks herself how does love conquer the hearts of even the most steadfast.

No. 7. Aria di Agrippina, "Ho un non so nel cor". Agrippina enters Poppea's dwelling and, after confirming that Poppea does truly love Otho, tells her that Otho has struck a bargain with Claudius: he can have the throne only if he yields Poppea to the current Emperor. She suggests that Poppea should therefore punish Otho by telling Claudius that he has ordered Poppea to refuse Claudius's attentions and give herself to him (Otho) alone. Agrippina claims that this will make Claudius so angry he will strip Otho of his claim to the throne. Poppea, suddenly hit by jealousy, agrees to the plan. Agrippina's vile happiness, as she sees her plan come into effect, is shown in a virtually unaccompanied piece (save for some string lines) that perfectly mimics the inner rejoicing of the Empress.

No. 8. Cavatina di Claudio, "Pur ritorno a rimirarvi". My personal favorite among Handel's bass arias, this piece contrasts the lyrical outpourings of Claudius with a simple bass line that almost seems to symbolize the night descending over Rome as the Emperor draws nearer to the house of his beloved; this image is further intensified by the constant mention of stars comparing to Poppea's eyes.

No. 9. Arioso di Claudio, "Vieni, o cara". All proceeds exactly as Agrippina has planned, though after Claudius promises not to spare Otho, his thoughts turn to much more pleasant images, as he begins his advances towards Poppea who is unable to refuse but who eagerly awaits the planned return of Agrippina. Claudius addresses his lover directly in a stunningly beautiful arioso which is an unusual contrast to the events that are happening on stage as Claudius sings the piece.

Hope you'll enjoy :).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Handel
• Agrippina
• classical
• baroque
• coloratura
• da
• capo

[lothbury0]

One of Gardiner's most amazing opera recordings. Thank you!