Product DescriptionThe Italianate vocal duets of Handel, which trace their roots to the sixteenth century madrigal, are some of his most beautiful and least known works. Of twenty-one duets, this disc features all six duets for two sopranos, two other duets and two trios. These pieces are demanding and challenging to even the most seasoned professional and provide an ideal showcase for these performers. In Italy, while learning to write beautiful melodies, Handel lived and worked under the patronage of aristocratic members of the Arcadian Academy. Though not a member, Handel was required to write vocal music for their meetings, where they presented papers on literary, artistic, philosophical and musical topics. Arcadians idealized simplicity, truth and a return to nature in their poetry and music. Their favorite poet, Petrarch, wrote about internal spiritual longing and unrequited love. Handel's duet texts, often written by Academy members, used highly charged sexual themes of unrequited love and the bondage of love's chains.