Joseph

Willem de Fesch (1687-1761), of Flemish ancestry, was born in the Dutch city of Alkmaar. He and his parents went back to Liege (Belgium) for several years, but Willem returned to Amsterdam where he became a celebrated musician and composer. After a tenure as choir master in Antwerp he left for London in 1730 where he stayed till his death in 1761, a successful composer and violinist.

De Fesch' oratorio Joseph was premiered in 1745 at Covent Garden. Written in the grand Handel Oratorio tradition it features recitatives, dramatic arias and duets and choruses. The performance is on period instruments by Musica ad Rhenum conducted by Jed Wentz, the soloists include Claron McFadden, Roberta Alexander, Tom Sol, Nico van der Meel and others. Previously issued on the NM Classics label.