Duel. Porpora and Handel in London

Featuring

Giuseppina Bridelli
Franck-Emmanuel Comte
Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu
George Frideric Handel
Nicola Antonio Porpora

Did you know?

1/7

Historical Context

Porpora's arrival in London to lead the Opera of Nobility challenged Handel's absolute monopoly over opera in the city, driven by both artistic and political factors.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in Lyon, France, from June 27-30, 2018, at the Temple Lanterne.

Compositional Technique

Porpora, a master of recitative and connoisseur of the human voice, was internationally acclaimed for his musical quality and innovation, particularly in the heroic style of drama.

Historical Context

The album explores the supposed rivalry between George Frideric Handel and Nicola Porpora, two prominent composers working in London between 1733 and 1737.

Composition History

The alleged rivalry between Handel and Porpora was not a personal feud, but rather a competition between two opera companies and their patrons in London.

Historical Context

London opera audiences, consisting of over a thousand people from the highest social strata, desired more modern musical styles and dramaturgy than what Handel's company had been offering.

Composer Biography

Despite the supposed rivalry, there is evidence that Handel and Porpora admired each other's work; Porpora kept a copy of Handel's opera Tolomeo, and Handel enthusiastically received Porpora's Cantate op. I.