The oratorio Theodora with libretto by Thomas Morell belongs to the group of the last four original oratorios composed by Händel between 1749 and 1752. Preceded by Susanna and Solomon (1749) and followed only by Jeptha (1752). Theodora – a tragic drama about early Christian martyrdom seldom performed until becoming popularised. Some of the credit for the deserved transformation in the oratorio’s fortunes has been its transferability to the opera house. The prestigious conductor William Christie and his ensemble Les Arts Florissant perform one of the favourite oratorios of the composer of this work, G.F. Händel.
Fond, flatt’ring world, adieu! Thy gaily-smiling pow’r,
Empty treasures, Fleeting pleasures,
Ne’er shall tempt or charm me more.
Faith inviting, Hope delighting,
Nobler joys we now pursue.
(Theodora)
Theodora (3CD)
Didymus | Daniel Taylor
Valens | Nathan Berg
Messenger | Laurent Slaars
Irene | Juliette Galstain
Theodora | Sophie Daneman
Septimius | Richard Croft
Les Arts Florissants
William Christie | conductor
Recorded: 2000, Paris
Released: 2003
Company: Erato