The recording is highly regarded for its powerhouse vocal cast, many of whom were leading Handel specialists of the era: Alexander Young Iphis (Soprano): Reri Grist Storgé (Contralto): Helen Watts Hamor (Contralto): Maureen Forrester Zebul (Bass): John Lawrenson Angel (Boy Soprano): Simon Woolf Harpsichord: Harold Lester Critical Reception
The recording uses modern instruments but incorporates baroque-influenced elements like varied da capo repeats and ornamentation, which were relatively progressive for 1969. Handel - Jephtha (Johannes Somary) (1995 [1969])
Johannes Somary's 1969 recording of George Frideric Handel's oratorio (HWV 70) was a landmark release as the work's first complete recording . Originally released as a three-LP box set on the Vanguard Cardinal label (VCS-10077/8/9), it was later reissued on CD in 1995 under the Vanguard Classics "Everyman" series. Performance & Ensemble The recording is highly regarded for its powerhouse
Collectors often look for the original 1969 vinyl for its high-quality stereo sound and the inclusion of detailed liner notes by Handel scholar Winton Dean. Handel: The Masterworks - GFHandel.org Performance & Ensemble Collectors often look for the
The recording features the and the Amor Artis Chorale , conducted by Johannes Somary. While modern listeners may find the orchestral and choral style slightly "old-fashioned" compared to modern period-instrument recordings, the interpretation is noted for its dramatic energy and sensitivity. Cast List
Because it was the first recording of Handel's final oratorio, it served as a primary reference for many listeners before the era of historically informed performance (HIP).
Critics often single out Maureen Forrester's performance as Hamor and Alexander Young’s authoritative Jephtha as highlights.