Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields - George Frideric Handel: Jephtha (1990)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 928 Mb | Total time: 69:39+62:17+72:36 | Scans included
Classical | Label: DECCA | # 425 701-2 | Recorded: 1974, 1979
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 928 Mb | Total time: 69:39+62:17+72:36 | Scans included
Classical | Label: DECCA | # 425 701-2 | Recorded: 1974, 1979
Jephtha was the last full-length composition that Handel wrote. (The Triumph of Time and Truth of 1757 was almost entirely made up of pre-existing music.) Given this fact, and also that the actual writing of it was an inordinately laborious task for Handel as he fought with rapidly failing eyesight, it's incomparable depth of expression and personal commitment make the whole work a profound and magnificent conclusion to his life's output. Based on a story from Judges XI, it tells of Jephtha leading the Israelites against the Ammonites and his ultimate sacrifice.