Eccentricity or experimentation? Israel in Egypt is Handel’s only oratorio in which the composer puts the choir at the forefront, with its parts comprising two thirds of the entire work. Although the tactic struck mid-18th century Londoners as too peculiar and ill-chosen, today it captivates audiences the world over. By showcasing the choral parts, Handel invokes words of the Old Testament to recall the history of the nation of Israel: from the lament mourning the death of Joseph, via plagues falling on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, culminating with the joy of the Israelites on their release from enslavement.

The Biblical tale is presented by Capella Cracoviensis on 3 December at the Philharmonic Hall; the ensemble’s choir has recorded many prestigious albums for the French label Alpha | Outhere Music. The orchestra performing on period instruments is led by Jan Tomasz Adamus. And to answer the original question – simply a masterpiece! (Barbara Skowrońska)

George Frideric Handel Israel in Egypt

Michalina Bienkiewicz soprano
Magdalena Łukawska soprano
Joanna Radziszewska soprano
Łukasz Dulewicz countertenor
Szczepan Kosior tenor
Jacek Ozimkowski bass
Sebastian Szumski bass
Capella Cracoviensis on historic instruments
Capella Cracoviensis choir
Jan Tomasz Adamus conductor