Johann Sebastian Bach; George Frideric Handel; Henry Purcell - Baroque Arias (Guy Cutting; Alvar Tiisler)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach; George Frideric Handel; Henry Purcell

1. Handel - Theodora, HWV 68: I. Ouverture
2. Handel - Theodora, HWV 68: II. Aria "Racks, Gibbets, Sword and Fire"
3. Handel - Theodora, HWV 68: III. Aria "Dread the Fruits"
4. Handel - Jephtha, HWV 70. Aria "Waft, Her Angels"
5. Handel - Dettingen Te Deum, HWV 283. Aria "Vouchsafe, O Lord"
6. Purcell - King Arthur, Z.628: I. Act 5, Scene 2 "Chaconne"
7. Purcell - King Arthur, Z.628: II. Act 3, Scene 2 "The Cold Song / Frost Scene"
8. Purcell - Oedipus, Z.583 "Music for a While"
9. Purcell - Dioclesian, Z.627. Chaconne "Two in One Upon a Ground"
10. Bach - St John Passion, BWV 245: I. Arioso "Betrachte, Meine Seel"
11. Bach - Mit Fried Und Freud Ich Fahr Dahin, BWV 125: I. Aria Duetto "Ein Unbegreiflich Licht"
12. Bach - Ich Habe Meine Zuversicht, BWV 188: I. Aria "Ich Habe Meine Zuversicht"
13. Bach - Mass in G Major, BWV 236 "Gratias"
14. Handel - Acis & Galatea, HWV 49: I. "Love in Her Eyes Sits Playing"
15. Bach - St Matthew Passion, BWV 244: I. Accompagnato "Am Abend, da Es Kühle War"
16. Bach - St Matthew Passion, BWV 244: II. Aria "Mache Dich, Meine Herze, Rein"
17. Handel - Acis & Galatea, HWV 49: II. Aria "Love Sounds Th'alarm"

Guy Cutting, tenor

Alvar Tiisler, baritone

Ensemble Floridante

Date: 2026

Label: Brilliant Classics

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This program features a generous and varied selection of dramatic and moving Baroque arias by three of the era's greatest composers: Henry Purcell, Johann Sebastian Bach, and George Frideric Handel. The curation includes notable excerpts from Handel’s Theodora, Jephta, and Acis & Galatea; Purcell’s King Arthur, Oedipus, and Diocletian; and Bach’s monumental St. John Passion and St. Matthew Passion. Serving as an exceptional vocal showcase, the recording highlights the outstanding talents of tenor Guy Cutting and baritone Alvar Tiisler, two of today's most prominent young vocalists, as they bring these historic masterpieces to life.

British tenor Guy Cutting began his distinguished musical journey as a chorister and choral scholar at New College, Oxford, where he earned a first-class degree in music. Renowned for his expertise in early music, he was the inaugural recipient of the American Bach Soloists’ Jeffrey Thomas Award. Cutting has established a prominent international career as both a soloist and an elite consort singer, collaborating with leading period-instrument ensembles including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the Gabrieli Consort. His extensive repertoire features celebrated interpretations of Bach's passions, classical masterpieces, and chamber works with the Damask Vocal Quartet.

Estonian baritone Alvar Tiisler, born in Võru, holds a unique background with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Government alongside his extensive musical achievements. Associated with the Estonian National Opera since 2004, he advanced from the boys' choir to perform as a featured soloist and chorus artist. Specializing heavily in Baroque masterworks, Tiisler possesses a vast repertoire featuring Bach's passions and Handel's major oratorios. He has performed globally with prestigious international orchestras and ensembles, including collaborations with Teodor Currentzis's MusicAeterna. Remarkably versatile, Tiisler simultaneously maintains a prominent career as a sports broadcaster for Estonian Public Broadcasting.