Handel: Esther (1718 version) (1996)

Track Listing

1. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Overture. Andante - Larghetto - Allegro
2. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Recitative. Tis greater far to spare
3. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Aria. Pluck root and branch from out the land
4. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Recitative. Our souls with ardour glow
5. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Chorus. Shall we the God of Israel fear?

1. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Overture. Andante - Larghetto - Allegro
2. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Recitative. Tis greater far to spare
3. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Aria. Pluck root and branch from out the land
4. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Recitative. Our souls with ardour glow
5. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 1. Chorus. Shall we the God of Israel fear?
6. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Recitative. Now persecution shall lay by her iron rod
7. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Aria. Tune your harps to cheerful strains
8. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Chorus. Shall we of servitude complain
9. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Aria. Praise the Lord with cheerful noise
10. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Recitative. O God, who from the suckling's mouth
11. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Aria. Sing songs of praise, bow down the knee
12. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 2. Chorus. Shall we of servitude complain
13. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 3. Recitative. How have our sins provoked the Lord!
14. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 3. Chorus. Ye sons of Israel mourn
15. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 3. Aria. O Jordan, Jordan, sacred tide
16. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 3. Chorus. Ye sons of Israel mourn
17. Oboe Sonata in G minor, HWV 404
18. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 4. Recitative. Why sits that sorrow on thy brow?
19. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 4. Aria. Dread not, righteous Queen, the danger
20. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 4. Recitative. I go before the King to stand
21. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 4. Aria. Tears assist me, pity moving
22. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 4. Chorus. Save us, O Lord
23. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Recitative. Who dares intrude into our presence
24. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Duet. Who calls my parting soul from death?
25. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Aria. O beauteous Queen, unclose those eyes!
26. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Recitative. If I find favour in thy sight
27. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Aria. How can I stay when love invites!
28. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Recitative. With inward joy his visage glows
29. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Chorus. Virtue, truth and innocence
30. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Arioso. Jehovah, crown'd with glory bright
31. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 5. Chorus. He comes, he comes to end our woes
32. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Recitative. Now, O Queen, thy suit declare
33. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Arioso. Turn not, O Queen, thy face away
34. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Aria. Flatt'ring tongue, no more I hear thee!
35. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Recitative. Guards, seize the traitor, bear him hence!
36. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Aria. How art thou fall'n from thy height!
37. Esther, oratorio, HWV 50a: Scene 6. Chorus. The Lord our enemy has slain