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Handel and the Age of the Celebrity Singer

Donald Macleod focuses on three of the most important singers in Handel's career: Senesino, the castrato, as well as rival sopranos Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bernardi.

None of Handel's successes would have been possible without the world-class line-up of singers which he hand-picked himself on trips to Italy. Donald Macleod looks at three of the most important in his career - Francesco Bernardi better known as the castrato Senesino who sang in no fewer than 17 of Handel's leading roles, and two sopranos - Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bordoni whose infamous rivalry proved to be both a blessing and a curse.

1 hour

Music Played

  • George Frideric Handel

    Orlando - opera in 3 acts

    Performer: Patricia BARDON - Mezzo-soprano (Orlando) Performer: William CHRISTIE - Director Performer: Les ARTS FLORISSANTS

    • ERATO.
    • 0630-14636-2.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Orlando - opera in 3 acts

    Performer: Patricia BARDON - Mezzo-soprano (Orlando) Performer: William CHRISTIE - Director Performer: Les ARTS FLORISSANTS

    • ERATO.
    • 0630-14636-2.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Ottone, re di Germania - opera in 3 acts

    Performer: Claron MCFADDEN - Soprano (Teofane) Performer: Robert KING - Director Performer: The KING'S CONSORT

    • HYPERION.
    • CDA667513.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Alessandro - opera in 3 acts

    Conductor: Sigiswald KUIJKEN Performer: Isabelle POULENARD - Soprano (Lisaura) Performer: Sophie BOULIN - Soprano (Rossane) Performer: La PETITE BANDE

    • DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • GD-77110.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Orlando - opera in 3 acts

    Performer: Harry van der KAMP - Bass (Zoroastro) Performer: Patricia BARDON - Mezzo-soprano (Orlando) Performer: Rosa MANNION - Soprano (Dorinda) Performer: Rosemary JOSHUA - Soprano (Angelica) Performer: William CHRISTIE - Director Performer: Les ARTS FLORISSANTS ORCHESTRA

    • ERATO.
    • 0630-14636-2.

Broadcast

  • Wed 21 Dec 2011 12:00

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