Alceste (Handel)

Alceste ("Alcides"; HWV 45, HG 46b, HHA I/30) is a masque or semi-opera by George Frideric Handel. It was his only complete theatre project ever attempted by Handel, and he composed the music when he was nearly 65.

It was written as incidental music to a lost play by Tobias Smollett and possibly included song lyrics by Handel's frequent collaborator Thomas Morell, which was rehearsed at Covent Garden Theatre but never performed. There was an overture and songs for Acts 1 and 4, 19 movements in total. It was composed from 27 December 1749 to 8 January 1750. Handel later used the music in The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69, and revivals of Alexander Balus, HWV 65, and Hercules, HWV 60.

Handel: Alceste - Academy of Ancient Music

Handel: Alceste - Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu

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