Handel, G.F.: Great Choruses (The People Shall Hear!)
5/26/2010, 15 Tracks, 1:01:02
Featuring
David Hill
Carolyn Sampson
Robin Blaze
The English Concert
The Bach Choir
George Frideric Handel
Did you know?
1/7
Critical Reception
The first London performances of Handel's Messiah were overshadowed by the huge success of his biblical drama Samson.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Handel's only other oratorio with a libretto drawn entirely from scripture, besides Messiah, is Israel in Egypt.
Composer Biography
Handel, though perceived as a 'choral' composer, spent most of his career producing music dramas for the London stage.
Cultural Impact
Handel's anthem Zadok the Priest has been performed at every British coronation since its premiere in 1727.
Composition History
Handel's choral genius became prominent when he was invited to compose four anthems for the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline in 1727.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Handel's friend Thomas Morell claimed the composer considered the chorus from Theodora, 'He saw the lovely youth', to be superior to the 'Hallelujah' chorus from Messiah.
Composer Biography
Handel's early musical training as an organist in Halle provided a strong foundation in counterpoint and Lutheran church music.
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