John Darren Holton

John Eliot Gardiner’s recording was made live at the Göttingen Festival in 1988 … the exhilaration and intensity of the performance come over vividly, with superb singing from both chorus and an almost ideal line-up of soloists … as for the Monteverdi Choir, their clarity, incisiveness and beauty are a constant delight.

Saul is the fourth of Handel’s English oratorios, written in 1738–39 as his career as a composer of Italian opera was drawing to a close. His librettist was Charles Jennens, who would eventually provide texts for L’allegro, Messiah , and Belshazzar. It is clear that, in the wake of a failed subscription to an Italian opera season, Handel intended Saul to take London by storm. The score calls for a huge orchestra, including trombones, carillon, a large organ, and double-bass kettledrums. This splendid recording, first issued in 1991, is of a live performance originally presented at the Göttingen Handel Festival in June 1989.

Gardiner secures subtler playing from his period instruments…conveying more clearly the emotional and dramatic thrust…first rate soloists have been chosen from the chorus, and the digital recording of full and well balanced…

Celebrate the holidays with A Very Darren Crissmas! Darren Criss is a multitalented musician, songwriter, Broadway star, and Emmy/Golden Globe-winning actor famous for his award-winning roles on VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY, GLEE, and HOLLYWOOD. His holiday record with Decca Records will be his first full-length album. It showcases creative reimagining of classic tunes and rarely covered hidden gems. Featuring guest artists Lainey Wilson, Adam Lambert, and Evan Rachel Wood.