Semele – HMV 58 HAENDEL GEORG FRIEDRICH

Classique

Description :

The composition “Semele”, which premiered in February 1744, does not correspond to the genre criteria of either opera or oratorio and thus belongs to a number of significant works by Handel that elude clear classification. The editor of this edition calls the work a “musical drama in three acts”. The secular material is borrowed from Greek mythology. Semele, Zeus’ lover – as always on such occasions in a transformed appearance – arouses the jealousy of Zeus’ wife Hera and ultimately dies. Although Handel himself only performed it in concertante form, the work lends itself to staged performances, which is how it was performed time and again from the 20th century onwards.