The groundbreaking Roman composer Alessandro Stradella’s unjustly neglected oratorio Ester Liberatrice del Popolo Ebreo shines forth in a sparkling new release from Navona Records. Exploring themes of courage, self acceptance, ambition, justice, and power, this piece tells the story of Esther, a timid girl, secret Jew, and Persian Queen, who summons the bravery to save her people from annihilation.

 

While the oratorio derives its narrative from the old testament’s The Book of Esther, this compelling story of a lone woman challenging an oppressive tyrant is sure to strike a chord, resonating powerfully for modern listeners as it recalls many ongoing conflicts in our world today.

 

For more information about the recording, click here. To hear selections, click here.

Grammy voters, click here