A fine work, composed within weeks of Messiah, and in Handel’s day possibly the most popular of all his oratorios. If you are into Handel choruses, Samson has some of the most finest: Act One closes with Then 'round about the starry throne, which is magnificent. And the final chorus forms a double whammy, coming as it does right after the soprano's bright seraphim, in the stunning Let their celestial concerts all unite. England's leading composer of the time also broke with the practice of using castrati in major parts, creating, in Samson, one of the first great dramatic tenor roles. The part will be taken up by Zbigniew Malak, supported on stage among the others by Rebecca Bottone and an outstading countertenor Xavier Sabata, as well as by Capella Cracoviensis choir and orchestra under the baton of Jan Tomasz Adamus.
George Frideric Handel
Samson
Samson – Zbigniew Malak tenor
Dalila – Rebecca Bottone soprano
Philistine Woman, Israelitish Woman, Virgin – Joanna Sojka soprano
Micah – Xavier Sabata countertenor
Philistine, Israelitish Man, Messenger – Bartosz Gorzkowski tenor
Manoah, Harapha – Jakub Borgiel bass
Capella Cracoviensis choir and orchestra (on period instruments)
Jan Tomasz Adamus conductor
