Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

This page lists all recordings of Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, by George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) on CD. Generally, more recent CDs are listed first, but with priority given to items that are in stock.

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Gramophone Magazine

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July 2003

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Handel: Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

Marco Vitale (harpsichord & direction), Stephanie True (soprano), Luciana Mancini (mezzo-soprano) & bass-baritone Mitchell Sander

Contrasto Armonico

Looking ahead to Handel year 2009 this CD offers a rare opportunity to listen to Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo .This seldomly heard ‘serenata’ (musical entertainment) was written by the famous composer when still very young - he was 23 - in Italy. True to the original setting of such a piece – often outdoors and without acting – the cast consists of just three characters. They are all mentioned in the title. In this serenata Handel occasionally has been very specific about instruments to be used in performances. Thus a ‘violone grosso’ shows up in the opening aria.

“The performance is noteworthy for Marco Vitale's natural tempi and obvious affection for the subtleties in Handel's notation… The fast music is quick enough, but never at the expense of articulacy. Recitatives could flow a little more freely, but I particularly enjoyed their clarity and simplicity, which allows the listener time to become fully immersed in the poetry.” Gramophone Magazine, 2008 Awards Issue