11 December 2005
Sunday 11 December 2005 13:00-14:00 (Radio 3)
Handel's Messiah is one of the most celebrated of all choral works - but it took several years to take up its rightful place in this country. Lucie Skeaping looks back at the history of the Messiah during Handel's lifetime and finds out why London's Foundling Hospital played such a significant part in establishing the Messiah's popularity.
Playlist
Excerpts from Messiah performed by:
Judith Nelson, soprano
Emma Kirkby, soprano
Carolyn Watkinson, contralto
Paul Elliott, tenor
David Thomas, bass
Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
The Academy of Ancient Music
Christopher Hogwood, director
Sinfony
Comfort Ye
Every Valley shall be exalted
Thus saith the Lord
Who may abide the day of his coming
For unto us a child is born
Pifa
Recit
Glory to God
No, di voi no vo' fidarmi (1st movement)
Gillian Fischer
James Bowman
The King's Consort
Robert King, director
The Trumpet shall sound
Amen
