Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Semele (acts 1 And 2) | 20091217 | As part of the complete cycle of Handel's operas, Louise Fryer presents a performance of the first two acts of Semele, which tells the story of the beautiful daughter of Cadmus and her ill-fated love affair with Jupiter, king of the gods. This recording made by the Early Opera Company under Christian Curnyn is the first to be completed on period instruments and, as one has now come to expect in these operas, includes some of Handel's most inspiring music including the famous aria Where'er you walk. Handel: Semele (Acts 1 and 2) Mortals: Semele ...... Rosemary Joshua (soprano) Ino ...... Hilary Summers (contralto) Cadmus ...... Brindley Sherratt (bass) Athamus ...... Stephen Wallace (countertenor) Company Chorus of Priests and Augurs ...... Chorus of Early Opera Immortals: Jupiter ...... Richard Croft (tenor) Juno ...... Hilary Summers (contralto) Iris ...... Gail Pearson (soprano) Somnus ...... Brindley Sherratt (bass) Apollo ...... Richard Croft (tenor) Chorus of Loves and Zephyrs; Chorus of Nymphs and Swains; Attendants ...... Chorus of Early Opera Company Christian Curnyn (conductor). Louise Fryer presents Acts 1 and 2 of Handel's opera Semele. Radio 3 marks the 250th anniversary of Handel's death with a complete cycle of his operas |
| 02 | Semele (act 3) | 20091218 | As part of a complete cycle of Handel operas, Louise Fryer presents the concluding act of Semele. Handel: Semele (Act 3) Mortals: Semele ...... Rosemary Joshua (soprano) Ino ...... Hilary Summers (contralto) Cadmus ...... Brindley Sherratt (bass) Athamus ...... Stephen Wallace (countertenor) Company Chorus of Priests and Augurs ...... Chorus of Early Opera Immortals: Jupiter ...... Richard Croft (tenor) Juno ...... Hilary Summers (contralto) Iris ...... Gail Pearson (soprano) Somnus ...... Brindley Sherratt (bass) Apollo ...... Richard Croft (tenor) Chorus of Loves and Zephyrs; Chorus of Nymphs and Swains; Attendants ...... Chorus of Early Opera Company Christian Curnyn (conductor). Louise Fryer presents Act 3 of Semele, starring soprano Rosemary Joshua. Radio 3 marks the 250th anniversary of Handel's death with a complete cycle of his operas |