George Frideric Handel set John Dryden's ode "Alexander's Feast, or The Power of Musick" to music in London in 1736 as an oratorio for three soloists, choir, and orchestra.
Historical Context
The poet John Dryden's ode, which Handel set to music, was published in 1697 and was intended for the annual St. Cecilia's Day celebration held by London musicians.
Notable Performances
The premiere of "Alexander's Feast" on February 19, 1736, at Covent Garden Theatre, attracted over 1,300 attendees, including seven royals, and was reported by the press as an unprecedentedly large and illustrious audience.
Recording & Production
This recording of "Alexander's Feast" was made live at the Styriarte Festival on June 21, 2024, at the Helmut List Halle in Graz, Austria, by the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Österreich 1).
Critical Reception
Handel's "Alexander's Feast" was one of his greatest successes as an oratorio composer, allowing him to fully demonstrate his artistic greatness through the poem's 180 verses.
Composition History
Handel's English oratorios, including "Alexander's Feast," were a new business model for the fifty-year-old composer, performed during Lent when other London theaters were closed.
Composition History
Handel often had to compose additional music for "Alexander's Feast" because London audiences felt the original 80-minute, two-part oratorio was too short for the ticket price.
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