Saul

Synopsis

After his impressive Messiah of 2009, Claus Guth once again succeeds in a breathtaking realisation of a Handel oratorio with Saul. Florian Boesch in the title role dominates the production as the ruler slipping into madness. He is an elemental force that attracts attention on stage like a black hole. As David, British countertenor Jake Arditti gives a perfect presentation of the change from the innocent boy to the man who, after many dramatic events, becomes Saul’s successor. “The pure Handel stroke of luck!” (Neue Musikzeitung). Anna Prohaska, Giulia Semenzato and Rupert Charlesworth perform convincingly the roles of Saul’s children who succumb to David’s physical and spiritual charms. The Freiburger Barockorchester under Christopher Moulds holds a finely textured balance between powerful ensemble and delicate solo passages of Handel’s score. The Arnold Schönberg Choir’s nuanced singing – alternately exulting, admonitory or mournful – is as inspiring as the sound of the renowned period-instrument ensemble.

Additional Info

• No: A04050156
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Conductor: Christopher Moulds
• Orchestra: Freiburger Barockorchester; Arnold Schoenberg Chor
• Artists: Florian Boesch, Jake Arditti, Anna Prohaska, Giulia Semenzato
• Production year: 2021
• Run time: 02:38:00
• Director: Stage Director: Claus Guth
• Producers: UNITEL, ORF, Theater an der Wien, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, Mezzo
• Format: 4K