Paul Esswood (born June 6, 1942) is an English countertenor. He is best kno… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Esswood (born June 6, 1942) is an English countertenor. He is best known for his singing in Bach cantatas and the operas of Handel and Monteverdi. Along with his countrymen Alfred Deller and James Bowman, he led the revival of countertenor singing in modern times.
Esswood was born in West Bridgford, England. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London from 1961 to 1964. His professional debut was in a performance of Handel's Messiah for the BBC (1971).
Esswood has participated in over 150 recordings, including the alto parts in many Bach cantatas with the Teldec series by conductors Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt. He has recorded Messiah four times, as well as extended works by Henry Purcell, Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Cavalli, Marc-Antoine Charpentier and others.
Among the roles in contemporary works written for Esswood are the title role in Philip Glass's Akhnaten and Death in Penderecki's Paradise Lost. He also sang in the première of Schnittke's Second Symphony.
Paul Esswood is the founder of Pro Cantione Antiqua, an all-male a cappella group specializing in early music. He is also establishing a reputation as a conductor of Baroque opera.
Esswood was born in West Bridgford, England. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London from 1961 to 1964. His professional debut was in a performance of Handel's Messiah for the BBC (1971).
Esswood has participated in over 150 recordings, including the alto parts in many Bach cantatas with the Teldec series by conductors Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt. He has recorded Messiah four times, as well as extended works by Henry Purcell, Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Cavalli, Marc-Antoine Charpentier and others.
Among the roles in contemporary works written for Esswood are the title role in Philip Glass's Akhnaten and Death in Penderecki's Paradise Lost. He also sang in the première of Schnittke's Second Symphony.
Paul Esswood is the founder of Pro Cantione Antiqua, an all-male a cappella group specializing in early music. He is also establishing a reputation as a conductor of Baroque opera.
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Saul HWV53: O Lord whose mercies numberless
Paul Esswood Lyrics
No lyrics text found for this track.
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
Marla Volovna
Have always loved this counter tenor, and was lucky enough to hear him live in Europe. The best!
Nuova Luce
It's funny: on Christmas I remembered exactly this Esswood's piece and last night I listened to it on my CD in Handel's Saul, and today you uploaded it:-). Great music, great Esswood! What else to say?:-). Merry Christmas and boxing day for Great Britain and Canada!:-) Thanks for uploading.
Justin Morgan
So very beautiful. Could never tire of this version. :)
Tammy Brigham
My favorite version of this aria...so very lovely!
Rumpelmoehre
A wonderful piece in a perfect execution. Very fascinating !!
Monika Sigrist
superb...! how wonderful videos you always have!!!! Incredible. Thanks sooo much by heart.
Nuova Luce
@PrimaRagazza I think it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music every written! Even for the genius of Handel. I've discovered Esswood for myself exactly on this channel in this aria, but I can't find that version anymore. Esswood is unbelievable in it, and nobody's interpretation I've heard so far is even close:-). Well, don't know if he really "owns" this aria, but he's made it heavenly and incredible!:-)I also admire such great English CTs as Bowman,Chance, Brett! And you?
Rumpelmoehre
For me, Esswood is the best interpreter of this composition.
thethikboy
this aria succeeds much better with a counter-tenor than a soprano - the timbre and the slight tremolo renders the unique unearthliness of Handel's lyricism
Teddyb1939
Great job done So lovely. images vivid Many thanks.