“Ars Lyrica’s presentation came as close to opera
as I’ve ever seen with three sterling singers,
crisp articulation from the period string and continuo band,
and intelligent, detailed direction.”
Arts Houston
Recent recordings of Ars Lyrica performances in mp3 format. Click the icon to play or download the file.
G. F. HANDEL Overture to Clori, Tirsi e Fileno
Recorded in performance, Nov. 12, 2005 Download
G. F. HANDEL Duet from Clori, Tirsi e Fileno
Melissa Givens (soprano) and Sonja Bruzauskas (mezzo-soprano)
Recorded in performance, Nov. 12, 2005 Download
L. ROSSI Udite amanti
Melissa Givens, Tracy Rhodus, and Natalie Arduino (soloists)
Recorded in performance, Nov. 13, 2006 Download
L. ROSSI Piango, piango
Melissa Givens, Tracy Rhodus, and Natalie Arduino (soloists)
Recorded in performance, Nov. 13, 2006 Download
G. F. HANDEL Aria from La Resurrezione
Ava Pine (soprano)
Recorded in performance, May 13, 2007 Download
G. F. HANDEL Aria from La Resurrezione
Timothy Jones (bass-baritone)
Recorded in performance, May 13, 2007 Download
G. F. HANDEL Recitative and Chorus from La Resurrezione
Ava Pine, Melissa Givens, Sonja Bruzauskas, Randolph Lacy, and Timothy Jones (soloists)
Recorded in performance, May 13, 2007 Download
ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI Piano from Cello Sonata in C minor
Barrett Sills (Baroque cello)
Recorded Sept. 20, 2006 Download
ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI Presto and Allegro from Cello Sonata in C minor
Barrett Sills (Baroque cello)
Recorded Sept. 20, 2006 Download
ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI Giga from Toccata in A Major
Matthew Dirst (harpsichord)
Recorded Sept. 20, 2006 Download
ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI Sinfonia to La Concettione della Beata Vergine
Recorded Sept. 20, 2006 Download
Alessandro Scarlatti:
Euridice dall’Inferno / La Concettione della Beata Vergine
For its Naxos début Ars Lyrica presents première recordings of two of Alessandro Scarlatti’s vocal works: Euridice dall’Inferno and La concettione della Beata Vergine. The Houston-based early music ensemble has gained praise for its “zestful music-making” (Houston Chronicle). Its period instrument performances reveal the brilliance and depth of Scarlatti’s expressive and highly theatrical music, which is enjoying renewed interest as the composer becomes increasingly recognised as the peer of Baroque masters such as Handel and Vivaldi. Supplementing these are two equally accomplished instrumental pieces.
1 CD, $12 (handling and shipping included)
J.S. Bach:
Organ Music for the Christmas Season / Matthew Dirst, Organ
Prelude, Trio, and Fugue BWV 541, 528/iii (9:26) • Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 3:35 • Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 659 3:44 • Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 660 2:33 • Pastorale in F Major BWV 590 9:57 • Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr BWV 711 2:39 • Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ich her BWV 70 11:16 • Canonic Variations on Vom Himmel hoch da komm’ich her BWV 769 (10:38) • Jesu, meine Freude BWV 1105 1:28 • Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kamm BWV 684 4:20 • Christ, der du bist der helle Tag BWV 1120 1:28 • Prelude and Fugue in C Major BWV 547 (8:59)
Recorded at Stanford Memorial Church, Stanford, California.
1 CD, $12 (handling and shipping included)
Duelling Divas
Ars Lyrica’s 2007-2008 season finale consists of two grand singing contests by Bach and Handel. These artful musical duels are full of spectacular vocal and instrumental fireworks.
HANDEL: Il duello amoroso
BACH: The Dispute between Phoebus and Pan
Recorded live at Zilkha Hall, May 11, 2008
2 CDs, $17 (handling and shipping included)
Love and War
Few composers strike the heart as powerfully as Claudio Monteverdi. His arresting Madrigals of Love and War, which range from tender laments to full-throated battle cries, are complemented on this program by instrumental and vocal works of Luigi Rossi and Barbara Strozzi.
MONTEVERDI: Madrigals of Love and War
ROSSI: Selected madrigals and sonatas
STROZZI: Selected madrigals
Recorded live at Zilkha Hall, November 4, 2007
1 CD, $12 (handling and shipping included)
Mad Women
Baroque “mad women” are among the most fascinating creatures of their time. From the uncanny Bess of Bedlam to the suicidal Lucrezia, these women are unforgettable experiences, especially when portrayed by such stellar singers as Melissa Givens and Marie Lenormand.
PURCELL: Bess of Bedlam and other songs
HANDEL: Lucrezia
CLÉRAMBAULT: Médée
CORELLI: La Folia
HANDEL: Mad Scenes from Imeneo and Hercules
Recorded live at Zilkha Hall, September 7, 2007
2 CDs, $17 (handling and shipping included)
La Resurrezione
Handel’s sumptuous first oratorio, written in Rome in 1708 on the story of Jesus’ resurrection. With full Baroque orchestra and a stellar cast: Ava Pine and Melissa Givens, sopranos, Sonja Bruzauskas, mezzo soprano, Randolph Lacy, tenor, and Timothy Jones, bass-baritone.
Recorded live at Zilkha Hall, May 13, 2007
2 CDs, $17 (handling and shipping included)