George Frideric Handel
Every Valley: The Story of Handel’s Messiah review – hallelujah! A fresh take on the composer’s much-loved work
By revealing the murky circumstances in which it was created, Charles King’s fascinating history of the oratorio shows it in a new light
Peter Conrad
01, Dec, 2024 @5:00 PM
Handel in Rome review – Nardus Williams sounds heart-stoppingly lovely
This collection of youthful but complex cantatas written by the composer in Italy is a showcase for the outstanding British soprano
Erica Jeal
24, Oct, 2024 @2:00 PM
Acis and Galatea review – a hectic take on Handel’s perfectly formed confection
The pared down City of London Sinfonia are exquisite and the main singers splendid – although the overworked ensemble hop around, draining the work of sincerity
Clive Paget
21, Jul, 2024 @11:26 AM
First Night of the Proms review – a thrilling adventure ride
A seemingly safe ticket – Handel, Bruckner, Clara Schumann and Beethoven’s Fifth – became in the hands of Elim Chan and the BBCSO a dazzling, joyous launch night
Flora Willson
19, Jul, 2024 @10:45 PM
The week in classical: Giulio Cesare; Così fan tutte; Siegfried/Götterdämmerung – review
There is much fun and an excellent cast in David McVicar’s sparkling Handel revival; Mozart’s partner-swap opera soars with exuberant solos; and Wagner’s Ring marathon reaches a roaring climax
Fiona Maddocks
29, Jun, 2024 @12:00 PM
Rock on, Shostakovich, Handel, Ravel: lives of great composers hit the screens
Torment, rebellion and tragedy are major themes as a rash of new biopics highlight the achievements and challenges of the musically gifted
Dalya Alberge
02, Jun, 2024 @12:00 PM
Aci by the River review – just add water for a stylish rethink of Handel
Riveting performances underpin a gratifyingly meta version of Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, retold around a Docklands film shoot
Erica Jeal
11, Apr, 2024 @2:12 PM
Handel: Alcina album review – Magdalena Kožená is a tour de force
Keeping the emotion foremost while relishing the shape of the music, Kožená has great support from Erin Morley and Elizabeth DeShong
Erica Jeal
15, Feb, 2024 @4:00 PM
Hallelujah! The Gospel Messiah comes to the UK – a photo and audio essay
Handel with Hammond organ and hand claps. Scatting and swing. Five saxophones – this is Messiah, but not perhaps as you know it. Marin Alsop’s Gospel Messiah had its European premiere at the Royal Albert Hall on 7 December, ahead of a broadcast on BBC Radio 3
David Levene (photography), Mau Loseto (audio) and Imogen Tilden (words)
12, Dec, 2023 @10:07 AM
Jephtha review – Clayton is magnificent as a wide-eyed zealot
Oliver Mears’s powerful but flawed staging of Handel’s biblical oratorio boasts very fine singing and performances, with Jennifer France’s Iphis and Allan Clayton’s Jephtha standouts
Erica Jeal
09, Nov, 2023 @1:07 PM
Better call Saul off, but isn’t this opera exactly why trigger warnings were invented? | Catherine Bennett
A student production of Handel’s work about the Israelite king has been cancelled in case of parallels with Middle East war
Catherine Bennett
28, Oct, 2023 @4:04 PM
Prom 50: Samson review – humour, chewy harmonies and Handel at his best
Allan Clayton’s rich tenor defied the tricksy acoustics of the great hall, while the Philharmonia Chorus were truly outstanding
Erica Jeal
24, Aug, 2023 @2:40 PM
1 / 31 pages