For years George Frideric Handel was supreme in the London music world, where he achieved one success after another with his Italian operas. By 1733, however, Handels's enemies were fed up with his monopoly position and launched the attack. The Nobility's new opera company had to compete with that of Handel. As a result, after four years, both opera companies were in complete financial decline.
Handel had suffered a stroke from the stress that temporarily paralyzed his right arm and confused him mentally. After a cure in Aix-la-Chapelle he recovered. One of the first new projects after his burnout was Saul, an oratorio to a libretto by his friend and protector Charles Jennens (who would later write the Messiah for him). The composition was difficult, but the result was very original. Handel enlarged the orchestra with a number of unusual instruments including a carillon and timpani. Moreover, perhaps inspired by his own mental breakdown, he paid a lot of attention to the psychological depth of the characters. A very nice recording of the complete Saul is that of the Gabrieli Consort & Players led by Paul McCreesh with beautiful voices from Andreas Scholl, Mark Padmore and Susan Gritton. (CP) A very nice recording of the complete Saul is that of the Gabrieli Consort & Players led by Paul McCreesh with beautiful voices from Andreas Scholl, Mark Padmore and Susan Gritton. (CP) A very nice recording of the complete Saul is that of the Gabrieli Consort & Players led by Paul McCreesh with beautiful voices from Andreas Scholl, Mark Padmore and Susan Gritton. (CP)more
