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Kate Molleson joins Handel in the city where he released his biggest hit – Messiah.

When he arrived in London in 1712, German-born George Frideric Handel was already one of Europe’s most exciting musical minds. Over the next decades he would not only carve a living for himself, but transform British musical life, from the opera stage to the choir stalls, and hardwire his legacy into our culture. All this week, Kate Molleson tells the stories of five summer soirees from across his life in the British Isles – golden evenings of 18th-century music making, and some of his most eventful performances.

Today, Handel takes a packet boat over the Irish Sea to Dublin. In his suitcase is his latest work, Messiah – and he has a hunch the locals will like it. But first, he has to drum up a following, and find some musicians…

Messiah, Part I: For unto us a child is born
Dunedin Consort
John Butt, harpsichord and director

L’Allegro, il penseroso ed il moderato: As steals the morn
Rachel Redmond, soprano
James Way, tenor
Les Arts Florissants
William Christie, conductor

Alexander’s Feast, Part I (excerpt)
Nancy Argenta, soprano
The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra
Harry Christophers, conductor

Messiah, Part 2 (excerpt)
Susan Hamilton, soprano
Clare Wilkinson, alto
Dunedin Consort
John Butt, harpsichord and director

Messiah, Part 3: Worthy is the lamb…Amen
Dunedin Consort
John Butt, harpsichord and director

Produced by Amelia Parker for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales and West