It is remarkable that Theodora, this gem of an Oratorio, whose musical quality Handel himself considered to be particularly outstanding, seems to be largely unknown to professional musicians and the expert audience. This is even more astonishing as this masterpiece (in the versions of its first performance lasting nearly three hours) is definitely an absolute highlight of Handel’s creative work, not least because of its splendidly differentiated orchestration and the psychologically sensitive presentation of its protagonists.
To contribute to rescuing this three-act composition from totally undeserved obscurity and to adapt it to the time frame of today’s concert business was the reason for Ralf Otto to arrange the version presented on this recording – a version which was enthusiastically received by the audience whenever performed live. The recording scores additionally with the currently best cast for the title role: Hana Blažiková.
