George Frideric Handel - Episode 1
Donald Macleod explores John Mainwaring's biography of Handel, examining how far we can trust this lively portrayal of the young composer.
Donald Macleod explores John Mainwaring's Memoirs of the Life of the Late George Frideric Handel, published in 1760.
He discovers that Mainwaring's book is almost the only source for information about Handel's early life. His account is full of colourful incidents, many of which have since entered musical mythology, but Donald examines how how far we can trust Mainwairing's lively portrayal of the young composer.
Part of Radio 3's Composers of the Year 2009 season.
Sonata for two violins and strings, Op 5, No 4
Purcell Quartet
Chaconne CHAN0620, tracks 1-5
Vedrai s'a tuo dispetto (Almira)
Emma Kirkby (soprano)
The Brandenburg Consort
Roy Goodman (director)
Hyperion, CDA66860, track 2
Concerto grosso in F, Op 6, No 2
Concentus Musicus Wien
Nikolaus Harnoncourt (director)
Teldec 4509955002, CD2 tracks 6-9
Laudate pueri Dominum
Choeur des Musiciens du Louvre
Les Musiciens du Louvre
Marc Minkowski (director)
Archive 4596272, track 7-14.
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Broadcasts
- Mon 12 Jan 200912:00BBC Radio 3
- Mon 12 Jan 200922:00BBC Radio 3
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