This dramatic cantata is one of the earliest works composed for Handel’s Italian patron, Marquis Francesco Maria Ruspoli. It is thought that the first performance took place in 1707, around the same time as his La Resurrezione. Handel met Corelli, and had heard the music of Alessandro Scarlatti, and his compositional skills had broadened considerably as a result.

In addition, his ability to realise in his music the emotion behind the words, and to create fully rounded characters (that would later distinguish him as one of the greatest opera composers) blossomed. Although Handel had huge orchestral forces at his disposal in Italy, the scoring for this tender tale of a shepherd who eventually wins the love of a nymph playing hard to get, is small and ideal for the drama that unfolds. This recording uses Handel’s original version of the score, considered by Marco Vitale to be stronger than his revision.

Complete texts are included, as well as liner notes written by Marco Vitale, explaining the background, history and sources of this wonderful music.