Off the beaten path: Exploring Nic's recordings of three Handel rarities

Handel is a beloved fixture on operatic stages across the world, with audiences lining up in droves to be transfixed by the drama of Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Agrippina, and Rodelinda.

But only a fraction of Handel's 42 operas are regularly produced. (Not to mention many of the 25 oratorios that make for delightful staged experiences!) How can we get to know the dozens of other vocal gems Handel composed?

As one of Handel's most acclaimed interpreters, Nic has spent five decades recording more than 50 albums of the composer's music — including many of the operas and oratorios that deserve much more time on stage.

Here are three favorites to discover.

Samson

As the former artistic director and conductor at Germany's International Handel Festival Göttingen, Nic performed and recorded more than 20 Handel operas, including this ravishing recording. Featuring tenor Thomas Cooley as Samson, the Israelite judge who meets a tragic downfall, this album finds Nic expertly navigating Handel's lush score, which ranges from Delilah's seductive aria to a hedonistic chorus from the Philistines.

Serse

Rarely has a heated brotherly feud fueled by a love triangle produced this many laughs. Leading the Hanover Band, a British orchestra that specializes in historically informed performances, Nic brings to life this sweeping tale of jealousy between Serse, the King of Persia, and his brother Arsamene, who both have their hearts set on marrying the sweet, beautiful Romilda.

Susanna

A testament to Nic's celebrated relationships with the Bay Area's Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and the late Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, every second of this recording of Handel's Susannah is a feast for the ears. Based on a tale from the biblical book of Daniel, the work traces the condemnation and vindication of  Susannah, a victim of hearsay and false judgment in ancient Babylon. This recording won a Gramophone Award and was nominated for a GRAMMY. 

Coming up this fall …

• Rhode Island Philharmonic (October 13 & 14)

• Sarasota Orchestra (October 21)

• Curtis Opera Theatre (November 10 & 12)

• Grand Rapids Symphony (November 17 & 18)