Artist: Nancy Argenta, Maria Christina Kiehr, Marijana Mijanovic, Marcel Reijans, Klaus Mertens

Handel's Oratorio per La Resurrezione di Nostro Signor Gesu Cristo (HWV 47) is a lengthy oratorio with a seemingly a limited scenario, cast for five solo singers, who double for the short choruses to end each act, This little known masterpiece was composed in Rome for performance at Easter 1708,commissioned by Marchese Ruspoli to impress the Pope with no expense spared.
Opera had been banned but spectacular oratorios became opera in all but name. The commission specified elaborate staging and decoration was lavish and the large orchestra was based upon 40 strings, led by Corelli, with wind. Before a huge painted backdrop Lucifer disputed Christ's redemptive powers with an Angel and the two Marys with St John lamented Christ's death and anticipated his promised resurrection, exulting when that came to pass. That is about all. Trumpets herald the Angel's demand that Christ be admitted through the gates of Hell, Lucifer protests, Handel responding with vivid and original orchestration and a stream of melody which characterise the protagonists in the conflict, and those on earth who pass from mourning to hope and exultation. The young composer, about 23,flexes his composing muscles and glories in his virtuosity and imagination, giving each of his singers great opportunities to make their marks. This is the only version available whereby the work is played on modern instruments.
Jan Willem de Vriend leads the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam and a cast of distinguished early-music specialist. Founded in 1982, the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam has developed into a close-knit ensemble specialising in music from 1600-1800.The musicians' wish not to focus solely on the standard repertoire has resulted in many interesting programmes featuring remarkable and little-known works, some of which are only available in manuscript. The performance of these compositions in conjunction with more familiar works has proved to be refreshing and inspiring to listeners and performers alike. Over the years the ensemble has given many memorable concerts and operatic performances including Handel's Rodelinda - a coproduction with Studio's Onafhankelijk Toneel - Alcina, also by Handel, and Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, in collaboration with De Nationale Reisopera. In 2003 the ensemble will perform in the United States, Japan and South America. In addition to solo performances by members of the ensemble, the Combattimento Consort has also worked with great performers such as Barbara Bonney, Andreas Scholl and Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Thomas Zehetmair and Sabine Meyer as well as joining forces with Collegium Vocale Gent and other groups.