Messiah

ABOUT THE CONCERT

Polyphemus, a cyclopsofancient Greek legend with one eye and three fingers on each hand, became a central figure in many myths and intheir musical settings by Baroque composers. This son of Poseidon, a giant of insurmountable strength, appears in many fables, the best known of which are his encounters Odysseus during the hero’s homeward journey and with Theseus, who kills Polyphemus. The Italian bass Luigi De Donato has the right voice and temperamentto represent the ideal embodiment of Polyphemus, and together with Collegium 1704 he will be appearing in Prague for the premiere of a concert project that will breathe life into ancient Greek legends.

Cast

Deborah Cachet soprano

Avery Amereau alto

Krystian Adam tenor

Luigi De Donato bass

Václav Luks | conductor

Collegium 1704

Collegium Vocale 1704

Programme

G. F. Händel
Messiah HWV 56