This live recording from the Festival of Aix-en-Provence 2008 reveals one of Handel’s most gripping dramatic works. The curtain rises on a prophecy: the fall of Babylon is imminent; the moral and political corruption symbolised by King Belshazzar will soon yield to the forces of the Persian prince Cyrus. From this point on we witness the different stages of the decadence of an empire – an eternally relevant subject whose contemporary resonances are clear for anyone who cares to look and listen.

Written in 1745, Belshazzar stands with Messiah as one of Handel s finest efforts in the genre. Based on a libretto by Charles Jennens, the story, from the book of Daniel, recounts the fall of Babylon at the hands of the Persian prince Cyrus who brought Belshazzar s tyrannical reign to an end an eternally relevant story with significant current resonance. Featured soloists include countertenor Bejun Mehta, a rising star in the world s opera houses and concert halls.

Disc 1

ACT ONE

SCENE 1

1Overture

Vain, fluctuating state of human empire13'07

SCENE 2

2Hark, Cyrus20'28

SCENE 3

3O sacred oracles of truth11'45

SCENE 4

4Let festal joy triumphant reign29'20

Disc 2

ACT TWO

SCENE 1

1Fenceless the queen of city lies!10'13

SCENE2

2Ye tutelar gods of our empire, look down27'31

SCENE 3

3O God of truth, O faithful guide9'21

ACT THREE

SCENE 1

4Alternate hopes and fears distract my mind11'36

SCENE 2

5I thank thee, Sesach!2'12

SCENE 3

6To power immortal my first thanks are due27'54