Handel: A Classical Icon - for iPod/iPhone

In commemoration of Handel's 250th anniversary, world renowned Handel scholar and Open University Professor Donald Burrows introduces one of the most famous composers of the eighteenth century. Devised for non-musicians and beginners, the 5 video and 5 audio tracks in this album explore the music that made Handel famous. His operas are classics of the Baroque style, his oratorios are the basis of English choral tradition, his music still played today at every monarch's coronation. This "Great Londoner" became an icon in his own lifetime. What is the secret of his success? What was one of Handel's performances like, and how powerful is his legacy?

  • 3 minutes 27 seconds
    Who is Handel?
    An introduction to Handel's background, his classic hits and his life in London.
    22 March 2009, 11:40 pm
  • Transcript -- Who is Handel?
    Transcript -- An introduction to Handel's background, his classic hits and his life in London.
    22 March 2009, 11:40 pm
  • 5 minutes 56 seconds
    Handel's Opera
    A taste of Handel's elaborate arias, dramatic plots and impressive stage scenery. Highlights from a modern ENO performance, and a preserved eighteenth century theatre.
    22 March 2009, 11:39 pm
  • Transcript -- Handel's Opera
    Transcript -- A taste of Handel's elaborate arias, dramatic plots and impressive stage scenery. Highlights from a modern ENO performance, and a preserved eighteenth century theatre.
    22 March 2009, 11:39 pm
  • 4 minutes 43 seconds
    Handel's Church Music
    Donald Burrows visits Handel's parish church in London and describes how Handel composed the most powerful Cathedral music Britain had ever heard.
    22 March 2009, 11:38 pm
  • Transcript -- Handel's Church Music
    Transcript -- Donald Burrows visits Handel's parish church in London and describes how Handel composed the most powerful Cathedral music Britain had ever heard.
    22 March 2009, 11:38 pm
  • 5 minutes 49 seconds
    Handel's Oratorio
    The story behind Handel's most famous oratorio, Messiah. What distinguishes an oratorio from an opera and what is special about Handel's oratorios?
    22 March 2009, 11:37 pm
  • Transcript -- Handel's Oratorio
    Transcript -- The story behind Handel's most famous oratorio, Messiah. What distinguishes an oratorio from an opera and what is special about Handel's oratorios?
    22 March 2009, 11:37 pm
  • 4 minutes 58 seconds
    Handel's Water Music
    How a royal quarrel led to the finest water party in London's history.
    22 March 2009, 11:36 pm
  • Transcript -- Handel's Water Music
    Transcript -- How a royal quarrel led to the finest water party in London's history.
    22 March 2009, 11:36 pm
  • 7 minutes 57 seconds
    Handel's Patrons
    Who did Handel work for and how did he make a living? A smart political operator, Handel composed for royalty in Rome, Germany and Britain.
    22 March 2009, 11:35 pm
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