Dec 23rd, 2006 · Handel's Messiah was a part of the holiday season long before Kris Kringle. The oratorio uses Biblical passages to tell the story of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. Conductor Marin Alsop thought the imposing composition could withstand some modern experimentation.
Dec 11th, 2006 · From the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, WHYY and NPR present Handel's holiday masterpiece performed by the "Fabulous Philadelphians" -- one of the world's greatest orchestras, joined by the nationally-renowned Philadelphia Singers Chorale. Acclaimed Richard Hickox conducts.
Oct 20th, 2006 · The music of Handel is the subject of a CD from Natalie Dessay. Music critic Tom Manoff says the music, with poetry by Vatican Cardinal, can seem opulent and highly ornate. The CD is Delirio, with music by George Frideric Handel.
Aug 9th, 2006 · Edward Elgar said he learned to write for strings by listening to the music of Handel. Elgar based his Introduction and Allegro for String Quartet and String Orchestra on Handel's concerto grosso style. The English Chamber Orchestra, with conductor Roy Goodman, gives a performance on the road in Montpellier, France.
Apr 11th, 2006 · We hear Handel's Overture to "The Triumph of Time and Truth," played by the Orchestra La Scintillia of Zurich Opera. Then mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli performs an aria from Baroque composer Antonio Caldara: "The Triumph of Chastity."
Mar 10th, 2006 · A treasure trove of composers' manuscripts has been donated to Juilliard. The music school's collection of 139 priceless documents includes works by Beethoven, Brahms and Handel. Renee Montagne talks with Miles Hoffman about the collection's significance.
Dec 24th, 2005 · 'Tis the season for more renditions of Handel's "Messiah" than you can shake a stick at. Commentator Jan Swafford has some thoughts on the enduring beauties of Handel's work.
Jan 26th, 2005 · Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews two new albums of Handel arias by opera singers Renee Fleming and Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (on the Universal and Avie labels).