Richard Croft - Handel - Theodora - Descend kind pity

Richard Croft sings 'Descend kind pity' from Handel's Theodora in Peter Sellars production for Glyndebourne.

[@gregorykent3482]

I've been going back again and again to this for many years now. The choreography is so moving, Croft's intensity as a actor utterly compelling and well, his voice can crush you emotionally then lift you up to be crushed once more.

[@sharky-os2lm]

Amazing. Croft's is one of the most beautiful voice's I've heard - and in Handel he absolutely shines. Love this entire production - powerful stuff.

[@sharky-os2lm]

I've watched this (and the entire Theodora) so many times since it first appeared on VHS . . . this aria, and Irene's "As with rosy steps the dawn" gently move me beyond words. Croft, here, gives us Handelian perfection. I still think Sellars' production is brilliant and moving.

[@michaelschade5833]

sharky123 fully agree....a good reflection of contemporary America

[@frogmouth]

2020 and it resonates. It' s so beautiful.i adore the Lorraine Hunt Lieberson and the Richard Croft arias. The set and costumes lift it out of the 18th century. The choreography is timeless. I must track down the full version.

[@BethDiane]

Wow! Richard Croft is that rare singer who can make the good guy both believable and compelling. He's also the even rare one that can sing trills!

[@piustwelfth]

Handel was a master of orchestration to accompany the human voice. Both Handel's music and Croft's voice are ravishing!

[@JAYJAY1000000]

I 've never been a fan of Peter Sellars, but this production really works; it almost has ballet qualities at times. Simply beautiful.

[@frogmouth]

It's sensitive. I expect confronting productions from Sellars. I will look at his other productions with a more open mind. This has depth and great compassion for the human condition . How prescient were Handel's world in another Croft aria" Dread the roots of Christian folly..."

[@ChromDinett]

wonderful Richard Croft and wonderful Peter Sellars !! :-))

[@DavidHughes-op6zl]

His acting is every bit as mesmerising as his singing, the latter almost indescribably beautiful.

[@piustwelfth]

Richard Croft has a wonderful tenor voice. I highly recommend the dvd of Handel's 'Theodora" with Croft, David Daniels, Lorraine Hunt and Dawn Upshaw. With all that talent, Croft steals the show!

[@baroqueandbeyond]

I heard Croft sing the title role of Idomeneo at Houston Grand Opera a few seasons back. His Fuor Del Mar was ravishing!

[@yolipurpleflower9895]

I have the DVD for this opera, and I enjoy it tremendously.

[@evalinnert7736]

Und ich beneide Sie sehr 🎆viel Vergnügen noch!

[@jean-claudelamy7929]

Richard Croft extraordinaire dans ce Théodora .... à pleurer .... Merci

[@arnesaknussmm8206]

One of the most emotional and beautiful music and interpretation I have ever heard, period. We ascend a stair to Heaven led by Richard Croft’s hand and blessed voice. Baroque opera perfection. Thanks to Richard Croft for existing and singing!

[@230536]

I'm usually not very fond of tenor voices, but this voice singing this music brings tears to my eyes...

[@vitellia]

Truly, the most perfect tenor voice we've ever had for Handel and Mozart. A gorgeous voice with flawless coloratura. Finally we got THE PERFECT IDOMENEO. Also a superb Bel Canto singer. Hard to believe he's been around way longer before Juan Diego came to the scene. Too bad he just didn't get to do much Rossini and others. And obviously such a sensitive actor as well. (A tenor who can act?! You thought there's no such a thing, right?!)

[@Zerlina12]

Oh so you know him. Then you must tell him that he has many fans at KZbin and that his vocie is just perfect. I saw him thr first time when I was abot 16-17 years old (1988) at Drottningholms courttheater and I felt in love with his voice then. He is the best

[@jvinikour]

Richard Croft is unparalled in this repertoire. Nothing like him, in my book anyway!

[@mariovelazquez5171]

What a sublime interpretation!

[@spaniarddamnit]

i saw him as almaviva in dallas. What a badass

[@charmainethomson1920]

Stunning, refined phrasing and luminous performers. Grazie.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I just noticed that on their jackets, David Daniels and Richard Croft have their names attached. lol Even though their characters are supposed to be ancient Romans. lol I love those little details.

[@tequiness061]

Absolutely stunning!

[@soieetlaine]

Un régal ! Les chanteurs sont tous "inspirés" et la musique est belle à pleurer... Je suis un peu perplexe quant à la mise en scène mais qu'importe !

[@johnnyrye]

Descend, kind pity, heav'nly guest, Descend, and fill each human breast With sympathizing woe. That liberty, and peace of mind, May sweetly harmonize mankind, And bless the world below. Descend. . . Words for the ages, Septimius.

[@danigrrrl]

lindo... bello! i like croft very much... kisses from brasil!

[@sabineswatzina9153]

Just lovely

[@vitellia]

I wish Handel had written more great music for tenor so Richard Croft could sing them all. I just hope that he will do more Handel parts like Samson, Jephtha, and Bajazet. His Jupiter is also absolutely spell-binding, just like this one.

[@jefolson6989]

MORE great music?

[@jefolson6989]

I think there is the aria from a production of Jeptha, but not sure about the entire show. His " waft her angels " is superb as we've come to expect. Great singer, great person!

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I have this production on DVD, and although I think the production quality is awful, the performers are just first class. Personally I think the stars of the production are Richard and the late Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson. And the music is utterly gorgeous!

[@Zerlina12]

I borrowed a CD on my libary with this oratorium where Rickard sang. I promise.

[@fzachary]

@8497289 Handel ranked Theodora much higher than all of his other oratorios, even Messiah. I have to agree with him. In my opinion it's definitely the most magical music the man ever wrote. Shame it's not done more often...

[@paulhwbooth]

Absolutely.

[@elyzhium]

I first heard Richard Croft in a video recording of L'Incoronazione di Poppea in which he sang the part of Nerone. As incredible as this one! Please, pleaaase, can't anyone post the final duet?? Amazing!!

[@kstonum]

this shit is good

[@rogerpropes7129]

Is that David Daniels with him?

[@Elfenohr]

it's actually already on youtube but it's a bit hard to find. it's been posted by trel1806. if you search for his name you should find it. the duet is absolutely amazing :)

[@punya10]

i really want to hear how he does glass's satyagraha later this year at the met....i want to see how he picks up the sanskrit...

[@jefolson6989]

To sing so beautifully, while carrying out this silly action ....Handel still wins.

[@XPRT10R]

not on CD but on DVD

[@josephhapp9]

🌺🌺🌺

[@Elfenohr]

there is also a duet of mr croft and patricia schumann on youtube singing "pur ti miro" of the "opera l'incoronazione di poppea". he sounds and looks quite different, i think but still very lovable :D here's the link /watch?v=pvaPaz8VqW8

[@Zerlina12]

So...if I understand right. You can buy Theodora with Mr Croft on CD. ( I hope, I hope I hope)

[@thefeintinggoat]

Ugh, way to make me jealous! Know if that was recorded at all?

[@piustwelfth]

Yes, she's quite adequate.

[@thefeintinggoat]

who says florez is the world's premiere tenor! Anyone have any thoughts on this version, Sellars'. I've heard it's pretentious from some people, but wonderful from others.

[@feliperodrigues554]

Does he use a more "natural" way of singing? Like popular music?

[@thefeintinggoat]

the people aren't "supposed" to be dressed as anything--it's an oratorio. Sellars dresses them up as swat team members and updates the production into an opera.

[@birgitnilsson]

sellars is a bad word....

[@johnbutler5402]

Keep Richard Croft and get rid of that rubbish scenery and ridiculous costumes.

[@MrAristaeus]

Open your mind.

[@MrAristaeus]

(And by that I mean the staging isn’t meant to be definitive).