George Frederic Handel and Dame Janet - what a combination! I have loved her glorious voice and impeccable artistry since my teens and her late twenties. There are only two singers who have never failed to reduce me to tears; the irreplaceable, late Hans Hotter singing Lieder and Wagner and Janet Baker singing, well, just about anything.
This is simply heaven. The pace is perfect:noble and commanding. Janet Baker is quite matchless, although I love Sarah Connolly's relatively recent performance at Glyndebourne. The horn soloist produces a fabulous tone and his high notes send shivers down my spine. Thanks so much for posting this great and memorable performa nce. I can die content.
Wonderful. I have never heard it in English before . What a good actress Baker is. No wonder di Donato admires her so much. Beautiful voice and she looks good in a trouser role .
This recording was one of my earliest introductions to Handel operas back in the 1980s and I have loved them ever since,this being my favourite, with Dame Janet making it all look so effortless!
Have you seen her performing Zeus-disguised-as-Diana and Diana herself, in La Callisto (it was on YT in full last time I looked). There was no change of costume between the roles other than Zeus carried a thunderbolt walking stick, but everything about her changes between the roles. That was the first opera I ever saw. She won me over.
I have this performance on DVD and it remains one of my favourites. Love Dame Janet and of course the very very camp Ptolomy performed by my favourite counter-tenor James Bowman of whom you get a glimpse in the last scene.
The horn player in this is definitely not getting enough credit. An absolutely flawless performance of one of the hardest and most demanding solos in the repertoire.
[For anyone who may not be familiar with the words] How silently, how slyly, When once the scent is taken, The huntsman tracks the spoor! A traitor shrewd and wily, Ne'er lets his prey awaken Unless the snare be sure.
Once introduced to J. Baker. She did the 'grande dame ' bit ( paw extended to be touched!). But watching her in this, I forgive her. She really was the best at this kind of thing. Not just the singing - the acting. She's in character.
OMG I love this song. I love this opera. Still gives me goosebumps after I have seen it live 5 times and on video more... I like Sarah Conelley the best. But this is English is fabulous.
Certain critics who had written about Handel and assisted with musical editions of Julius Caesar didn't like this particular production, but the ticket buying audiences loved it. There was criticism about the style of ornamentation , staging , key transposition for some of the arias etc. What we see here is a film of the production recorded some time after the last performance. It doesn't fully capture the feel and atmosphere of the production in the theatre where it was sumptuous. The cast was so strong - some of the best singers of that time. Audience pleasure won out over some critics' disapproval. The night I attended the theatre was full of cheers and applause. The ovation seemed to go on and on ...
I saw Janet in this production in London. Marvellous. It did make me smile though, the way the da capo arias stumped the producer. Poor Janet had to keep striding stage right and then left!
It IS a gorgeous, deliciously camp production, I agree. Some scandalised critic commented, apropos James Bowman (whom I've always loved) "The well known male alto James Bowman, as Ptolemy, looks rather like a buffoon and cannot be taken seriously." OK, I'll admit, he does look slightly like a giant squid at times, but his performance here is sensational in my view. I shall be uploading a clip shortly :)
Janet Baker sublime but my favourite production is from Glyndebourne in I think 2006. Sarah Connoly a wonderful Ceaser, Danielle DeNiese a magnificently playful Cleopatra and Christophe Demaux a superb Ptolomy all beautiful conducted by Christie. A must in any collection
The Operas of Handel is not only very incredible, his orchestra music with organ is very incredible,fantastic and stratospheric. I know about works of Handel and Bach, and let me tell you, that Bach's music and Handel's music is very different.
Can yall please tell me what kind of instruments are played in here and the type of her voice? I have to do this for a music assignment and im lost as a beatsy bug. Thanks
Thank you, but wouldn't it be better, both in terms of the whole purpose of your assignment, and ultimately for you, if you made an effort to research this yourself, rather than asking others to give it to you on a plate? It's not that hard, and as as a starting point I've provided all the information you need to begin your research in the Description. Best wishes, and here's hoping you get good grades!
I doubt you're in the same class one year later, but Janet Baker was a soprano, and the instruments playing under her are violins, violate, cellos and natural horns.
Magnificent 👏💐🎶🧡I love 💕 Janet Baker😊
Happy Birthday dear Janet. Life would be much poorer without you.
Sending admiration and much love,
Elizabeth
You don’t see many productions like this any more. Pity. What beautiful costumery.
pity it is in English. We went several times
Superb ,A miracle!
LOVE U Janet.God bless U.
Whish you eternal live .❤️
The more I watch Dame Janet the more I think her performance is superb! (And those horns!)
yeah the horns make this aria.
Dame Janet’s rendering of this aria almost brought down the walls in St.Martin’s Lane! GFH would have loved it!
George Frederic Handel and Dame Janet - what a combination! I have loved her glorious voice and impeccable artistry since my teens and her late twenties. There are only two singers who have never failed to reduce me to tears; the irreplaceable, late Hans Hotter singing Lieder and Wagner and Janet Baker singing, well, just about anything.
Thanks so much for this. Loving following all your links and reading your well crafted commentaries!
This is simply heaven. The pace is perfect:noble and commanding. Janet Baker is quite matchless, although I love Sarah Connolly's relatively recent performance at Glyndebourne. The horn soloist produces a fabulous tone and his high notes send shivers down my spine.
Thanks so much for posting this great and memorable performa nce. I can die content.
this is superb agreed but i think the Connolly performance in Italian is unsurpassed
Connolly is incredible, OMG I love her!
I was lucky to work on this production as assistant make up artist - fabulous production !
Really marvelous example of Dame Janet's superb artistry. Will be watching it many times over. Thanks very much!
Wonderful. I have never heard it in English before . What a good actress Baker is. No wonder di Donato admires her so much. Beautiful voice and she looks good in a trouser role .
Up to today, she did the most convincing Cesar performance.
This recording was one of my earliest introductions to Handel operas back in the 1980s and I have loved them ever since,this being my favourite, with Dame Janet making it all look so effortless!
Incredible charisma! How can she be at the same time so feminine and plausible as a male emperor!
You've just been Baked ;)
Have you seen her performing Zeus-disguised-as-Diana and Diana herself, in La Callisto (it was on YT in full last time I looked). There was no change of costume between the roles other than Zeus carried a thunderbolt walking stick, but everything about her changes between the roles. That was the first opera I ever saw. She won me over.
I have this performance on DVD and it remains one of my favourites. Love Dame Janet and of course the very very camp Ptolomy performed by my favourite counter-tenor James Bowman of whom you get a glimpse in the last scene.
Dame Janet is completely mesmerizing here. Brava!
The horn player in this is definitely not getting enough credit. An absolutely flawless performance of one of the hardest and most demanding solos in the repertoire.
...Not what I expected...I didn't know this was an opera! I was looking for Shakespeare, but I'm liking this!
Welcome to the world of opera where the great Shakespeare gave inspiration to many great opera composers.
Wonderful, simply wonderful voice!
This is the best interpretation of this aria. Superb!
Love ❤️ love ❤️ this version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Esta música es más que preciosa 😊
Superbe interprétation de mon aria préféré de Haendel. Merci !!!!!
A catchy tune with music like Christmas. Handel was a genius.
Agreed!
Merci pour cette interprétation et ce partage... Bravo !
I remember this in the theatre. Absolutely electric.
She’s stunning.
Oh, how I love the Baroque!
I usually don’t care for libretto translations, but this works.
Yes, wonderful singing from Dame Janet, but also fabulous horn playing from ( I believe) Frank Lloyd!
Absolutely. Simply wonderful.
Brilliant horn playing! One of the hardest pieces for horn in opera ever!
[For anyone who may not be familiar with the words]
How silently, how slyly,
When once the scent is taken,
The huntsman tracks the spoor!
A traitor shrewd and wily,
Ne'er lets his prey awaken
Unless the snare be sure.
I was trying to find the "translation" to this years ago! I'm glad someone put it in the comments
Brilliant mezzo! Admire her so much! Still wish that it had been sung in Italian. Her rendition of "Che faro senza Euridice" his heartbreaking!
Perfect performance! A treat! Thank you for sharing.
sencillamente MARAVILLOSO, UNICO....IRREPETIBLE!!!!!!!
Dame Janet is wonderful. !
Once introduced to J. Baker. She did the 'grande dame ' bit ( paw extended to be touched!). But watching her in this, I forgive her. She really was the best at this kind of thing. Not just the singing - the acting. She's in character.
SPLENDID !!😊😮
A female Caesar! Outstanding performance by Dame Janet Baker! ❤
This aria gives me the goosebumps. But then Dame Janet Baker gives the wonderful composition of Handel full service.
saw her sing this-- superb!
OMG I love this song. I love this opera. Still gives me goosebumps after I have seen it live 5 times and on video more... I like Sarah Conelley the best. But this is English is fabulous.
La voz y expresión de la libertad en música.
Certain critics who had written about Handel and assisted with musical editions of Julius Caesar didn't like this particular production, but the ticket buying audiences loved it. There was criticism about the style of ornamentation , staging , key transposition for some of the arias etc. What we see here is a film of the production recorded some time after the last performance. It doesn't fully capture the feel and atmosphere of the production in the theatre where it was sumptuous. The cast was so strong - some of the best singers of that time. Audience pleasure won out over some critics' disapproval. The night I attended the theatre was full of cheers and applause. The ovation seemed to go on and on ...
Excellent comment, thank you.
This is essential context, thank you.
I saw Janet in this production in London. Marvellous. It did make me smile though, the way the da capo arias stumped the producer. Poor Janet had to keep striding stage right and then left!
Your posting appreciated. I plan to go to the Metropolitan screening of this opera later this season Bill at Nanaimo BC
It IS a gorgeous, deliciously camp production, I agree.
Some scandalised critic commented, apropos James Bowman (whom I've always loved) "The well known male alto James Bowman, as Ptolemy, looks rather like a buffoon and cannot be taken seriously." OK, I'll admit, he does look slightly like a giant squid at times, but his performance here is sensational in my view. I shall be uploading a clip shortly :)
A quibble: Looking "like a giant squid" is a superb recommendation, not a criticism.
Magisterial horn playing. I play one, so I know how hard it is to hit those high Cs.
Eine Version von va tacito mit Suchtcharakter!
yes it reminds widerstehe doch der sunde
bravo!
Just another example of GFH and our most eminent soprano. Bravo.
It is being broadcast at our local cinema , have booked !
Janet Baker sublime but my favourite production is from Glyndebourne in I think 2006. Sarah Connoly a wonderful Ceaser, Danielle DeNiese a magnificently playful Cleopatra and Christophe Demaux a superb Ptolomy all beautiful conducted by Christie. A must in any collection
I think Sarah Connelly benefits from more contemporary choreography . This is superbly acted and sung
it is `live` from the Met, New York, April 27th
I have this production on CD
Most people, particularly Bach people don`t know Handel`s incredible operas. What a shame, for the composers are both apex.
The Operas of Handel is not only very incredible, his orchestra music with organ is very incredible,fantastic and stratospheric. I know about works of Handel and Bach, and let me tell you, that Bach's music and Handel's music is very different.
👍
I gave birth to this.
Really? How spectacular!
How fab! Presumably it'll be in Italian. I quite like the ENO in English too.
Oh, in English! I saw the Italian version, but an English one is obviously easier to track.
Can yall please tell me what kind of instruments are played in here and the type of her voice? I have to do this for a music assignment and im lost as a beatsy bug. Thanks
Thank you, but wouldn't it be better, both in terms of the whole purpose of your assignment, and ultimately for you, if you made an effort to research this yourself, rather than asking others to give it to you on a plate? It's not that hard, and as as a starting point I've provided all the information you need to begin your research in the Description. Best wishes, and here's hoping you get good grades!
I doubt you're in the same class one year later, but Janet Baker was a soprano, and the instruments playing under her are violins, violate, cellos and natural horns.
Mezzo
Yes!
The 4 who disliked dont deserve ears!
LOL
Fa impressione sentire Giulio Cesare in inglese... Comunque canta bene assai...
Bă ma trimis doamna de muzica aici
Why in English?
Why not?
Primadonna assoluta (!)
why is she reminding me of david bowie in labyrinth
nooooo not in English, never works. Changes the endings and spoils the lovely vowel ending notes. Epic voice though.
Where did Handel live?
This English version is absolutely horrendous 🤮 it was written in Italian so why destroying a beautiful opera?