Handel: Semele, HWV 58 (Live)

Handel’s “musical drama,” an opera in all but name, contains some of his most popular arias, “Where’er You Walk, Cool Gales Shall Fan the Glade” topping the bill. It’s a lovely work that tells of Jupiter’s pursuit of the mortal Semele to be his mistress, and the trouble that ensues. With his acute dramatic instincts, John Eliot Gardiner brings the piece to life with a perfect feeling for light and shade, comedy and drama. In the title role, Louise Alder is ideal—sweet-voiced and totally alive to the character’s vanity. Hugo Hymas is a terrific Jupiter and the remainder of the cast is wonderfully chosen. An absolute joy.