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Messing About on the River

Donald Macleod explores Handel's early years in London, when he becomes involved with the nascent opera scene.

This week, as part of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Eighteenth Century season, Donald Macleod explores the music Handel composed for the Georges, I and II, and to commemorate major events in their reigns.

Today, Handel is dismissed from his post as Kapellmeister to Georg Ludwig, Elector of Hanover, but restored to favour when Georg - now George - accedes to the British throne. George is a keen opera-goer so Handel, eager to please, throws himself with gusto into London's nascent operatic scene. Things come temporarily unstuck when the opera company runs into financial trouble and disbands, but this doesn't distract Handel from coming up with the perfect soundtrack for some right royal messing about on the river: his Water Music.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 21 Apr 2014 18:00

Music Played

  • George Frideric Handel

    Te Deum and Jubilate for the peace of Utrecht

    Conductor: Simon Preston. Performer: Academy of Ancient Music. Performer: Christ Church Cathedral Oxford Choir.
    • DECCA.
    • 455-041-2.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Te Deum in D major HWV.280 (Caroline)

    Performer: New College Oxford Choir. Performer: Robert King. Performer: Soloist/S.. Performer: The King’s Consort.
    • HYPERION.
    • CDA-66315.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Amadigi di Gaula - opera

    Conductor: Marc Minkowski. Performer: Eiddwen Harrhy. Performer: Jennifer Smith. Performer: Nathalie Stutzmann. Performer: Les Musiciens du Louvre.
    • ERATO.
    • 2292-45490-2.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Water music - suite in F major HWV.348

    Performer: Jordi Savall. Performer: Le Concert des Nations.
    • ALIA VOX.
    • AVSA-9860.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Apr 2014 12:00
  • Mon 21 Apr 2014 18:00

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