NEWS ARCHIVE
(in reverse chronological order)

Thames & Hudson has published the revised edition of Christopher Hogwood's "Handel".

(posted 4 August 2007)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews:

(posted 4 July 2007)

The 2007 Stanley Sadie Handel Recording Prize is awarded to director Fabio Bonizzoni, soprano Roberta Invernizzi, La Risonanza, and Glossa Muisc for their outstanding recording of "Le Cantate per il Cardinal Pamphili" ~ Handel’s Italian Cantatas, Volume 1.

(posted  28 April 2007)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Göttingen Händel Society's recording of Poro, re dell'Indie with the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and conducted by Konrad Junghänel.

(posted  15 April 2007)

Philippe Gelinaud updates the discographies for Operas and Oratorio, Drama and Odes.

(posted  6 April 2007)

Dublin's 2007 Handel Festival (sponsored by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust) is scheduled for April 13-20, 2007. For more information about the festival, visit http://www.templebar.ie and http://www.templebar.ie/docs/HANDELA3.pdf

(posted  3 April 2007)

At long last! Handelians celebrate! Boydell Press has published Winton Dean's 688-page "Handel's Operas, 1726-1741". As noted at the Boydell Press website:

"Handel ranks with Monteverdi, Mozart and Verdi among the supreme masters of opera, yet between 1754 (when Handel was still living) and 1920 not one of his operas was performed anywhere. Their revival in the modern theatre has been among the most remarkable phenomena in the history of the art. But they are still too little understood, or studied, and until recently no reliable modern editions existed. This long-awaited book is the sequel to Handel's Operas 1704-1726, published in 1987. It is the first study in depth of Handel's last twenty-two operas, including major masterpieces such as Orlando, Ariodante and Alcina and the brilliant lighter works Partenope, Serse and Imeneo. Each chapter contains a full synopsis and study of the libretto, a detailed assessment of the opera's musical and (often misunderstood) dramatic qualities, a performance history, and comparison of the different versions. Much new material has been incorporated. In addition four general chapters throw a vivid light on the historical background. Two Epilogues touch on Handel's dramatic vision, the revival of his operas in the twentieth century, and their performance today. There are a number of valuable Appendices. Together with its predecessor, the book provides the first complete overview of these works. WINTON DEAN is the most distinguished British authority on the life and work of Handel; he has also written extensively on opera in general."

(posted  20 January 2007)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews volume 1 of "Cantate per il Cardinal Pamphili" with soprano Roberta Invernizzi, La Risonanza, and director Fabio Bonizzoni on the Glossa recording label.

(posted  17 December 2006)

The next Handel Institute conference will take place on Saturday and Sunday 24-25 November 2007, at The Foundling Museum, London. The theme is 'Commemorating Handel.' The programme could be divided into two main areas - 'The Past' and 'The Future' - but the final plan will be determined by the papers offered, and allowances for 'free' papers will be made. Proposals for papers lasting 20-25 minutes are now invited: abstracts (not more than 300 words) should be sent to Helen Smithson by 31 March 2007 at handelsecretary@hotmail.co.uk.

(posted  6 November 2006)

The 2007 American Handel Festival ("Handel at Princeton") will take place at Princeton University, April 19 - 22, 2007. Festival concerts will include a semi-staged performance of Handel's Hercules and a chamber concert organized around the theme of Handel in London. The festival is sponsored by The American Handel Society.

(posted  9 October 2006)

Professor Roger Parker will give his lecture "Handel in London" at Barnard's Inn near Chancery Lane tube on the Central Line (London). October 9th at 6pm.

http://www.gresham.ac.uk

(posted  8 October 2006)

This year's "Handel in Oxford" will take place between September 15-17, 2006.

(posted 13 August 2006)

The 2006 Stanley Sadie Handel Recording Prize is awarded to director Alan Curtis, Il Complesso Barocco, and Virgin Classics for their world-premiere recording of Handel’s first version of Radamisto.

(posted 30 July 2006)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the MD&G new release of Arianna in Creta with Orchestra of Patras and director George Petrou.

(posted 15 July 2006)

Professor Roger Parker's lecture "Handel and London" will be given at Barnard's Inn Hall, Gresham College (London), on 10 October 2006, at 6pm.

(posted 12 July 2006)

Les Robarts reviews the Hyperion dyad reissue of Handel's Organ Concertos (complete) with organist Paul Nicholson, harpist Frances Kelly, The Brandenburg Consort, and director Roy Goodman.

(posted 28 April 2006)

HANDEL’S Giulio Cesare: FROM EGYPT TO ENGLAND

Special exhibition viewing from 5th May 2006

In 1724 when Handel staged Giulio Cesare in Egitto, he presented the London audiences with a portrayal of the Roman dictator quite different from the traditional image received from history or from Shakespeare.  The original libretto on which the opera is based is a light-hearted affair written for the Venice carnival season in 1676, and the details of the plot, which focuses on the love affair between Caesar and Cleopatra, are largely fictional. Handel’s score added depth to the characters, creating a more dramatic work and some of his most challenging roles.  For these he enrolled a star-studded cast, with the castrato Senesino as Cesare,  Francesca Cuzzoni as Cleopatra, and Margherita Durastanti as Sesto, the young distraught son of Pompeo,  providing them with some of his best known melodies, including ‘Piangerò’ and ‘Va tacito’.  

Giulio Cesare in Egitto was pivotal in the rediscovery of Handel’s operas in the 20th century, from the first modern revival in Göttingen, Germany, in 1922, when Cesare was sung by a baritone, to the ENO production of 1980, when Janet Baker claimed the title role for mezzos. The numerous recent productions have gone from reconstruction of baroque staging, to dinosaurs in Munich, to the most recent Bollywood style reading of the Glyndebourne production, which will be revived at the 2006 Festival.   The exhibition traces in documents, images and related events almost 300 years of Giulio Cesare’s performance history in England.

Events:

5 May         Exhibition opens

4 June        Sunday afternoon concert : recital by Barbara Destefanis

7 June        “Staging Giulio Cesare – baroque practice or contemporary expectations?”

              An exploration of some of the problems in staging Handel’s operas and a few
              suggested possible solutions : a talk by Richard Gregson

11 June       Family Day : the Foundlings go to Egypt

21 June       “From Rinaldo to Orlando, or Senesino’s Path to Madness” : a talk by
              Dr Melania Bucciarelli

29 June       “A character transform'd: Handel's Cleopatra”: a talk by Dr. Andrew Jones

6 July        An evening with James Bowman

              James Bowman will sing arias from Giulio Cesare interspersed with reminiscences of
              past performances

31 July       School of Baroque 2006 : Julius Caesar in Egypt

3 August      Summer school for 8-13 year olds with music, art and drama to create a new work

              A joint event with the Handel House Museum

12 September  Concert of Baroque chamber music and world premiere of newly commissioned cantata
              for the Foundling Museum

1 October     Sunday afternoon concert : Baroque chamber music

For further details or to book any of these events please contact the Foundling Museum

The Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square
London WC1N 1AZ
Tel. 020 7841 3600
enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk

(posted 28 April 2006)

"The Italian Handel: At a time when vast recording surveys are rather going out of fashion and artists are starting to commit themselves to making personal selections from with the areas of music that they feel most connected – an obvious exception being that of the four (yes, 4!) cycles of Bach cantatas which are currently underway – Glossa has identified, in small and select surveys of a part of the work of a composer, a new way of engaging all the creative ideas involved. Thus, to the Monteverdi and Gesualdo editions is now added a collection which will bring together all of the Italian cantatas by Handel, which we will record and release in chronological order. Singers such as Roberta Invernizzi, Emanuela Galli, Gloria Banditelli and Nuria Rial will lend their marvellous vocal artistry to this project, one led by Fabio Bonzzioni directing his group, La Risonanza. The first volume will appear in the spring of 2006."

Source: http://www.glossamusic.com

(posted 8 April 2006)

The Göttinger Händel-Gesellschaft will hold a musicological symposium during the 2006 Internationale Händel-Festspiele Göttingen.

"Händel in der Wiener Klassik"
Speakers will be: Prof. Dr. O. Biba (Wien), ;aestro Nicholas McGegan (San Francisco/Göttingen), Prof. Dr. A. Holschenider (Baden-Baden), Dr. A. Oppermann (Köln), Prof. Dr. M. Staehelin (Göttingen). Chairman: Prof. Dr. Hans Joachim Marx (Hamburg).

Saturday, 3 June 2006, University of Göttingen, Aula.

http://www.haendel.org

(posted 8 April 2006)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the K&K Verlagsanstalt's new release of Belshazzar with the Hannoversche Hofkapelle, Maulbronn Kammerchor, and conductor Jürgen Budday.

(posted 20 March 2006)

Les Robarts reviews the Hyperion dyad reissue of The Triumph of Time and Truth (1757 version) with The London Handel Choir & Orchestra and conductor Denys Darlow.

(posted 28 February 2006)

Les Robarts reviews Nikolaus Harnoncourt's new recording of Messiah on the Sony BMG DHM label with vocal soloists, the Arnold Schoenberg Chor, and Concentus Musicus Wien.

(posted 20 February 2006)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the Warner/Apex budget reissue of Giulio Cesare (Highlights) with the Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Concentus Musicus Wien, and director Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

(posted 28 January 2006)

Philippe Gelinaud

(posted 16 January 2006)


Photo: Damien Jarry © Les Talens Lyriques 2005

On Saturday 12 November, 2005, Christophe Rousset was awarded this year's Stanley Sadie Handel Recording Prize for his exemplary recital disc "Opera Seria" featuring the soprano Sandrine Piau. The emotional presentation occurred between Rousset's ambitious attempt to perform two of Handel's operas, Tamerlano and Alcina, all on one day, at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The prize, chosen by an international expert panel, was presented to Rousset and Piau by Philippe Gelinaud. This Paris presentation was preceded by a similar presentation by David Vickers to Sandrine Piau at a Naïve press reception in London.

(posted 27 November 2005)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the Claves Records new recording of Handel: Three Portraits of Mezzo-Soprano Heroines with mezzo-soprano Maria Riccarda Wesseling, Lautten Compagney, and director Wolfgang Katschner.

(posted 27 November 2005)

Les Robarts reviews the Decca Classics new release Opera Proibita with mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, Les Musiciens du Louvre and director Marc Minkowski.

(posted 22 October 2005)

David Vickers

(posted 10 October 2005)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews Arthaus' new DVD-video of  Teseo with soloists, Lautten Compagney Berlin, music director Wolfgang Katschner, and stage director Axel Köhler.

(posted 25 September 2005)

David Vickers

(posted 11 September 2005)

Philippe Gelinaud

(posted 27 August 2005)

Julian Williams will teach a course titled "Handel's Work in England" from Friday, 7 October 2005 @ 6pm to Sunday, 9 October 2005 @ 2pm at The Farncombe Estate.

(posted 18 August 2005)

Katie Hawks shares her impressions about The Foundling Museum.

(posted 4 August 2005)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Chandos Chaconne recording of Partenope with soloists, The Early Opera Company, and director Christian Curnyn.

(posted 4 July 2005)

The discographies now include DVDs as well. Again, we thank Peyton Fawcett for his corrections and additions to the discography databases.

(posted 14 June 2005)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new DG/Archiv recording of Rodelinda with soloists, Il Complesso Barocco, and director Alan Curtis.

(posted 13 June 2005)

The Handel Institute will hold a conference titled "Performing Handel – Then and Now" between 26-27 November 2005 at The Foundling Museum, London, England. For more information, please visit the Conferences page.

(posted 24 May 2005)

HARRY CHRISTOPHERS & THE SIXTEEN ANNOUNCE
THE 2005 HANDEL IN OXFORD FESTIVAL
(24-26 June)

·   "Handel In Oxford" returns for second year;
·   Harry Christophers, his choir The Sixteen and his orchestra The Symphony of Harmony and Invention perform a weekend of music dedicated to Handel;
·   Expanded from last year, the festival includes concerts, masterclass, debate, oratorio, exhibition, outdoor recital, chamber concert and talks;
·   Distinguished academics, critics, musicians, directors and conductors join The Sixteen for this weekend of unashamed indulgence in Handel.

Following the resounding success of last year’s first Handel in Oxford Festival, The Sixteen returns to Oxford at the end of June for the second of its annual events dedicated to the great composer.

Last year capacity crowds filled Oxford’s University Church to hear The Sixteen perform and 2005’s expanded programme promises to draw Handel fans from across the country once again. 

‘We have put together a weekend of concerts, masterclasses, debate and a very special performance of Handel’s Water Music’ says Harry Christophers ‘Through our weekend of unashamed indulgence in Handel, we can begin to find his true character and immerse ourselves in this great man’s legacy.’

This year’s Festival will once again be held in venues around Oxford and joining Harry Christophers, The Sixteen and The Symphony of Harmony and Invention will be a cast of distinguished musicians, singers and commentators.  

Friday 24th June’s opening concert will feature the beautiful Chandos Anthems performed in Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre – the venue in which Handel received his ‘Degree of Musick’ in 1733. Saturday morning’s masterclass, exploring Handel’s oratorios with celebrated tenor Ian Partridge, promises to be a highlight, as does the afternoon debate with Jane Glover, David Fielding, Rupert Christiansen, Dr Michael Burden and Ann Murray discussing different performance styles of Handel opera. An exemplary cast including Susan Bickley, Gillian Keith, James Gilchrist, Eric Owens and William Purefoy join the choir and orchestra for a concert performance of Handel’s ‘Music Drama’ Hercules on Saturday evening (pre-concert lecture in the Sheldonian Theatre by David Vickers).. Audiences at the concert will experience an extremely rare event as two period horns from Handel’s era, on exclusive loan from The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, are to be played on the night.

Those buying tickets for the Festival’s closing concert on Sunday will be served with complimentary champagne as they enjoy a very special open-air performance of the Water Music near the river in the exquisite grounds of Magdalen College.  

The Handel in Oxford Festival is made possible through the generous support of The Zvi & Ofra Meitar Family Fund.

For the SCHEDULE, click here.

(posted 14 May 2005)
 

Handel is "Composer of the Week" from May 9-13 on BBC Radio 3.

(posted 9 May 2005)

Philippe Gelinaud would like to thank and recognize Peyton Fawcett for his corrections and additions to the discography databases.

(posted 2 May 2005)

We are pleased to announce that The 2005 Stanley Sadie Handel Recording Prize is awarded to "Haendel: Opera Seria". We congratulate soprano Sandrine Piau, Les Talens Lyriques, and director Christophe Rousset, and the Naïve recording label.

(posted 24 April 2005)

The Georgetown Symphony Society of Georgetown, Texas, will host "Handel in Georgetown" between June 3 - 5, 2005. For more information about this conference, click here.

(posted 10 April 2005)

David Vickers reviews:

(posted 28 March 2005)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the Tall Poppies new recording release of Italian Cantatas with soprano Miriam Allen, countertenor Christopher Field, bass Michael Leighton Jones, the instrumental ensemble Arcadia, and director Jacqueline Ogeil.

(posted 28 March 2005)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the DVD of the 1994 performance at the Sydney Opera House of Giulio Cesare in Egitto with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and conductor Richard Hickox.

(posted 19 March 2005)

The 2005 American Handel Festival, "Handel in Santa Fe," will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from 17-20 March 2005. For more information about the conference, click here.

(posted 7 February 2005)

David Vickers reviews the Coro reissue of Alexander's Feast with The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, and director Harry Christophers.

(posted 5 February 2005)

The Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds will hold a weekend workshop titled "The Oratorios of Handel - Mighty Musical Dramas" between 4-6 March 2005.

(posted 27 January 2005)

Carlo Vitali reviews the new Deutsche Harmonia Mundi recording of Lotario with soloists, Il Complesso Barocco, and director Alan Curtis.

(posted 8 January 2005)

David Vickers reviews the Göttinger Händel-Gesellschaft's live recording of Rinaldo with soloists, Concerto Köln and conductor Nicholas McGegan.

(posted 8 January 2005)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the new Virgin Veritas recording of Serse ('Xerxes') with soloists, Les Arts Florissants, and director William Christie.

(posted 23 December 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new MD&G recording of Athalia with the Kölner Kammerchor, Collegium Cartusianum, and director Peter Neumann.

(posted 4 December 2004)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the new Naïve recording of Handel arias titled Opera Seria. It includes soprano Sandrine Piau, Les Talens Lyriques, and director Christophe Rousset. Sandra gives it a  10!

(posted 4 December 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud and David Vickers review the new Oehms Classics highlights recording of Lotario with the Kammerorchester Baselbarock and conductor Paul Goodwin.

(posted 4 December 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews three separate recordings of highlights of Rinaldo,  Oreste, and Serse from the Wiesbaden opera house.

(posted 28 November 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews countertenor Robert Expert's Handel recital: Sacré Profane on the Ambroisie label. He is accompanied by Ensemble Amarillis.

(posted 13 November 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the first complete recording of a Handel pasticcio opera: Oreste. This release on the MD&G label features soloists, the Camerata Stuttgart, and director / harpsichordist George Petrou.

(posted 11 November 2004)

Sandra Bowdler reviews Renée Fleming's Handel recital from Decca Classics. This recording includes the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and conductor Harry Bicket.

(posted 11 November 2004)

Carlo Vitali reviews Hyperion Records new release of Ode for St. Cecilia's Day and Cecilia, volgi un sguardo. This recording displays the talents of soprano Carolyn Sampson, tenor James Gilchrist, The King's Consort, and director Robert King. Carlo gives it a  10!

(posted 11 November 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Deutsche Harmonia Mundi new recording release "DIXIT" featuring the Balthasar-Neumann-Chor & Ensemble and director Thomas Hengelbrock.

(posted 16 October 2004)

Les Robarts reviews the new Coro label recording "Heroes and Heroines" featuring mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, and Director Harry Christophers.

(posted 6 October 2004)

Gerald Coke Handel Collection at the Foundling Museum

The Foundling Museum opened on 11 June 2004 and incorporates an art gallery, a social history collection and the Gerald Coke Handel Collection.

The Handel collection is an internationally important collection of material relating to Handel and his contemporaries, including manuscripts, printed books and music, libretti, paintings and engravings, memorabilia, art works and ephemera. The materials were collected by Gerald Coke over a period of 60 years and left by his widow to the Coram Foundation, a childcare charity which is the successor of the 18th century Foundling Hospital, of which Handel was a Governor and benefactor.

The new home for the collection includes a public exhibition gallery, collection store, reading room and a small meeting room.

The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
The Gerald Coke Handel Collection is open Wednesday-Friday by appointment for research

Gerald Coke Handel Collection
The Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square
London WC1N 1AZ

tel. +44 (0)20 7841 3606
fax. +44 (0)20 7841 3607

For more information, contact: handel@foundlingmuseum.org.uk

(posted 2 October 2004)

Les Robarts reviews the DVD Video reissue of the 1996 Glyndebourne performance of Theodora. Without a doubt, it's a 10!

(posted 25 September 2004)

David Vickers interviews Robert King (Director of The King's Consort) about his "Handel cycle" of recordings.

(posted 25 September 2004)

David Vickers reviews the Mondo Musica re-issue of the Opernhaus Halle's recording of Tolomeo with soloists, the Händelfestspielorchester des Opernhauses Halle, and conductor Howard Arman.

(posted 3 September 2004)

Read the interview with Peter Sellars and William Christie as an introduction to the live 1996 Glyndebourne performance of Theodora on Channel 4. This production is now available on DVD. (Click here for more information about the video.)

(posted 3 September 2004)

Les Robarts reviews the new Naxos recording of JC Smith's pasticcio oratorio Gideon culled from Handel's earlier works. The CD features soloists, the Junge Kantorei, the Frankfurt Barockorchester, and Music Director Joachim Carlos Martini.

(posted 3 September 2004)

Sandra Bowdler reviews Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's new Handel Arias recording on the Avie Records label with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and conductor Harry Bicket.

(posted 22 July 2004)

David Vickers reviews the Somm CD release of Sir Thomas Beecham's historical recording of Solomon.

(posted 22 July 2004)

David Vickers speaks with Alan Curtis (harpsichordist & director of Il Complesso Barocco) about conducting Handel operas.

(posted 15 July 2004)

Sandra Bowdler considers two new recordings of Semele:

(posted 13 July 2004)

(posted 27 June 2004)

The 2004 International Handel Recording Prize is awarded to the Virgin Veritas recording of Deidamia. We congratulate the excellent cast of singers, music director, and record label for producing such a distinguished and exemplary recording of an unfairly neglected opera.

(posted 11 June 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new release of Agrippina on the Dynamic label with soloists, La Grand Écurie et la Chambre du Roy, and conductor Jean-Claude Malgoire.

(posted 22 May 2004)

David Vickers reviews K&K Verlagsanstalt's new release of Solomon featuring soloists, Hannoversche Hofkapelle, Maulbronn Chamber Choir, and conductor Jürgen Budday.

DV also reviews the Warner Apex reissue of The ways of Zion do mourn and the 'Utrecht' Te Deum.

(posted 8 May 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud interviews harpsichordist and Director of Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset -- a gfhandel.org exclusive! In addition, Philippe reviews Rousset's two older recordings of Handel operas:

(posted 5 May 2004)

David Vickers reviews the new Naxos recording Ode for St. Cecilia's Day with soprano Dorothee Mields, tenor Mark Wilde, Alsfelder Vokalensemble, Concerto Polacco, and conductor Wolfgang Helbich.

(posted 13 March 2004)

David Vickers reviews the new CPO recording of Imeneo with soloists, VokalEnsemble Köln, Capella Augustina, and conductor Andreas Spering.

(posted 13 March 2004)

Les Robarts reviews the new DG/Archiv Produktion recording of Saul with soloists, the Gabrieli Consort & Players, and conductor Paul McCreesh. Les gives it a  10 mark!

(posted 6 March 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Harmonia mundi recording of Siroe with soloists, Capella Coloniensis, and conductor Andreas Spering.

(posted 22 February 2004)

(posted 20 February 2004)

(posted 17 February 2004)

(posted 16 February 2004)

Handel is the "Composer of the Week" on BBC's Radio 3 for the week of February 2nd - 6th.

(posted 31 January 2004)

David Vickers reviews harpsichordist Ludger Rémy's recording of the Suites de Pieces pour le Clavecin 1720 on the CPO label.

(posted 19 January 2004)

Les Robarts reviews the Göttinger Händel-Gesellschaft's recording of Jephtha from the 2003 Internationale Händel-Festspiele Göttingen.

(posted 19 January 2004)

Philippe Gelinaud would like to extend his thanks to all those who have contributed to the discography project. Special thanks go out to Ingrid Zellner and Susan Checketts.

(posted 23 December 2003)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the Pro Musica Camerata Foundation's 1999 recording of Imeneo with the Musicae Antiquae Collegium and conductor Varsoviense Wladyslaw Klosiewicz

(posted 9 December 2003)

New reviews:

(posted 21 September 2003)

The 2003 International Handel Recording Prize is awarded to The Choice of Hercules. We congratulate the excellent cast of singers, The King's Consort, Robert King, and Hyperion for making such a fine, distinguished, and desperately needed recording.

(posted 25 August 2003)

Les Robarts reviews Erato disques's new release of Handel's last oratorio Theodora with soloists, Les Arts Florissants, and Director William Chrisite.

(posted 25 August 2003)

David Vickers reviews Decca's 8-CD reissue of Handel's Orchestral Works featuring the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and conductor Sir Neville Marriner

(posted 21 August 2003)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews two previously released recordings of Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Julius Caesar in Egypt) -- oldies but goodies!

(posted 7 August 2003)

Philippe Gelinaud interviews countertenor David Daniels about singing Handel and other Baroque vocal music.

(posted 7 August 2003)

The Hallische Händel-Ausgabe (Bärenreiter) recently published the critical edition of Rodelina.

(posted 24 July 2003)

Journal articles recently published:

(posted 24 July 2003)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Virgin Veritas release of Deidamia with vocalists, Il Complesso Barocco, and conductor Alan Curtis.

(posted 18 July 2003)

Sandra Bowdler reviews the 2000 Dorian Recordings release of the cantata Apollo e Dafne and motet Silete venti with soprano Karina Gauvin, baritone Russell Braun, Les Violons du Roy, and conductor Bernard Labadie.

(posted 12 July 2003)

Les Robarts reviews the DG/Archiv Blue reissue of Sir John Eliot Gardiner's pioneering recording of the masque Acis and Galatea with vocalists and The English Baroque Soloists. Les gives it a 10 !

(posted 9 July 2003)

Les Robarts reviews the BIS Records reissue of Sacred Cantatas with soprano Emma Kirkby and London Baroque.

(posted 9 July 2003)

We are very pleased to post Carlo Vitali's "maiden voyage" review of the Virgin Veritas new release of Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, with soprano Sandrine Piau, alto Sara Mingardo, bass Laurent Naouri, Le Concert d'Astreé, and conductor Emmanuelle Haïm.

(posted 9 July 2003)

David Vickers reviews Il Duello Amoroso, a Hyperion Helios reissue of Italian secular cantatas featuring sopranos Patrizia Kwella and Gillian Fisher, alto Catherine Denley, The London Handel Orchestra, and conductor Denys Darlow.

(posted 9 July 2003)

David Vickers reviews Hervé Niquet's new recording of Water Music / Music for the Royal Fireworks with Le Concert Spirituel on the Glossa label.

(posted 30 June 2003)

Bernard Labadie (director of Les Violons du Roy) speaks with David Vickers about his interest in baroque performance and Handel.

(posted 28 June 2003)

Philippe Gelinaud has also compiled a discography of oratorios, dramas, and odes. Enjoy some more!

(posted 23 June 2003)

We are pleased to announce a new addition to gfhandel.org: Handel discographies compiled by Philippe Gelinaud. The first installment is Handel's operas. Enjoy!

(posted 11 June 2003)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Arthaus Musik DVD video performance of Rinaldo featuring David Daniels (countertenor), Deborah York (soprano), et al., and the Bayerische Staatsoper München with conductor Harry Bicket and stage director David Alden.

(posted 7 June 2003)

Sandrine Piau (soprano) speaks with Philippe Gelinaud about performing Handel and her forthcoming Handel opera aria CD on Naïve. To read this interview, click here. A GFHandel.org exclusive!

(posted 24 May 2003)

Three new recording reviews posted:

(posted 10 May 2003)

The Smithsonian Institution's Resident Associate Program will host an all-day seminar titled "Handel in England" on 13 September 2003 in Washington DC.

(posted 10 May 2003)

David Vickers reviews Challenge Classics' new release of La Resurrezione with soloists and Combattimento Consort Amsterdam, directed by Jan Willem de Vriend.

(posted 16 April 2003)

David Vickers reviews The Sixteen's edited and reissued release of Israel in Egypt (Randall's 1771 edition) on their Coro label.

(posted 3 April 2003)

The 2003 Denver Handel Festival will take place between 12-27 April 2003. For more information, click here.

(posted 3 April 2003)

New reviews by Philippe Gelinaud:

(posted 30 March 2003)

The Handel Institute will sponsor a Serse Study Day. For more information, click here.

(posted 26 March 2003)

Handel is BBC Radio 3's "Composer of the Week" for March 17-21, 2003. Various excerpts from Handelian recordings will be broadcast daily between 9-10 AM.

(posted 15 March 2003)

New recording reviews by David Vickers:

(posted 11 March 2003)

Les Robarts reviews the Teldec new release of Boston Baroque's recording of Music for the Royal Fireworks and Water Music.

Handel Week (9-18 May 2003) takes place at Oak Park, Illinois, and will include performances of Siroe, re di Persia, chamber music, Gloria in excelsis Deo, and Chandos Anthems.

(posted 8 March 2003)

New recording reviews:

(posted 19 February 2003)

The Fulks Theatre, at Abilene Christian University (Texas), will stage Tim Slover's play "A Joyful Noise" on the following dates: February 6-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2003.

In the style of Amadeus, "A Joyful Noise" is an inspirational look at the triumph of the creative spirit. Reviewers have called this true story of George Frederic Handel and his struggles to write and perform his famous Messiah oratorio as “witty…scathing and inspiring.”

(posted 21 January 2003)

Les Robarts reviews the Junge Kantorei release of L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato.

(posted 21 January 2003)

New recording reviews:

(posted 20 January 2003)

The Handel House Museum (London) will host a new exhibition titled ‘The Purest Benevolence’ - Handel and the Foundling Hospital from 6 March through 31 May 2003. The exhibition will focus on Handel’s relationship with the Foundling Hospital, England's first hospital for abandoned children. For more information, visit http://www.handelhouse.org/

(posted 11 January 2003)

New recording reviews:

(posted 5 January 2003)

David Vickers interviews Handelian conductors William Christie, Paul McCreesh, Nicholas McGegan, and Trevor Pinnock.

(posted 25 December 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Hyperion Records two CD reissue of Paul Nicholson's recording of "Harpsichord Suites".

(posted 25 December 2002)

New journal article by Ruth Smith:

"Thomas Morell and his Letter about Handel" in Journal of the Royal Musical Association. Vol. 127, Issue 2, 2002: 191-225.

Abstract: The manuscript of Thomas Morell's letter about his collaboration in oratorio writing with Handel, a key document in Handel studies, is in Cambridge University Library, its presence there previously unknown to Handel scholars. Its addressee can be identified as John Nichols, who used its information in his biographical publications, and its date can be narrowed to 1776-81. The letter is printed accurately for the first time, along with the fullest account to date of Morell's character, circumstances, career, abilities and interests, and a reassessment of the position of his letter in our knowledge of Handel.

(posted 7 December 2002)

New recording reviews:

(posted 30 November 2002)

New recording reviews:

(posted 23 November 2002)

The American Musicological Society has awarded Professor Ellen Harris's book, Handel as Orpheus, the 2002 Otto Kinkeldey Award. The text of the announcement follows:

"The Otto Kinkeldey Award was inaugurated in 1967 to "honor each year the work of musicological scholarship deemed by a committee of scholars to be the most distinguished of those published during the previous year in any language and in any country by a scholar who is a citizen or permanent residence of Canada or the United States." The language of the award notes that "By 'work' is meant a major book, edition, or other piece of scholarship that best exemplifies the highest qualities of originality, interpretation, logic and clarity of thought, and communication."

"The 2002 Otto Kinkeldey Committee has chosen Ellen Harris's Handel as Orpheus published by Harvard University Press as the winner of this year's award. Dr. Harris is the Class of 1949 Professor and Head of Music and Theater Arts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Described as a "soberly provocative" study by Jeffrey Kallberg, Harris's book is very much a sign of the times-a demonstration, within a single monograph, of the differing subdisciplines that our society now houses and nourishes in a productive tension. Ellen Harris has created a work that, as the fruit of more than twenty-five years of research, weds aspects of traditional musicology-such as source studies, analysis, and editing - with nontraditional modes of interpretation based on studies, and theories, surrounding the social and sexual environments of Handel's aristocratic patrons. In this sense the book bridges the gap and charged dialogue that has at times unnecessarily separated traditional and newer methodologies.

"On the one hand Harris has provided us with a detailed documentary treatment and historical inventory of Handel's chamber cantatas, a neglected genre within which his compositional growth flourished from 1706 through 1723. On the other hand, she interprets several of their texts and musical passages in readings that position them within social circles that point in the direction of same-sex friendship and desire and often coded meanings. In the latter effort she builds in part on the pioneering work of Philip Brett, Gary Thomas, Ruth Smith, and several others, and she extends their work with her own analysis of the iconographic and poetic reception history of the composer in the middle of the eighteenth century.

"Thus, in its originality and interpretations, Harris's work poses a challenge to Handel scholarship in the best and most productive sense of that word. This book will be discussed centrally within that area, as well as many others, for years to come."

Note: To read an interview with Prof. Harris, click here.

(posted 9 November 2002)

The University of Iowa and The American Handel Society announce the 2003 American Handel Festival (27 February - 2 March 2003). For more information, please visit the conferences page.

(posted 5 November 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Analekta recording release of "Italian Cantatas and Other Works" with the debut of contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux.

(posted 30 October 2002)

West Dean College will host a special course from February 14-16, 2003, titled "Handel in London". Alan Cuckston will explore Handel's substantial keyboard music from 1723-1759. For more information, please visit the conferences page.

(posted 28 October 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Stradivarius recording label's release of "ROME 1709: Händel vs Scarlatti" with harpsichordist/organist Luca Guglielmi.

(posted 27 October 2002)

The Convegno all’Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy, will host the following conference from 7-9 November 2002: "Haendel e il Dramma per Musica". For more information, visit the Conference page.

(posted 20 October 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Hänssler Classics reissue of the 1937-9 recording of "Rodelinde" including excerpts from some of Handel's other operas.

(posted 12 October 2002)

David Vickers reviews the CRD Records 6-CD reissue of Handel's "The Chamber Music" with L'Ecole d'Orphée.

(posted 12 October 2002)

David Vickers reviews Analekta's new recording release "A Baroque Feast" featuring the Canadian baroque orchestra Tafelmusik.

(posted 12 October 2002)

Two new releases are added to the new recordings page:

(posted 6 October 2002)

Phillipe Gelinaud reviews the mega 40-CD compilation of recording reissues containing oratorios, operas, passions, vocal works, chamber and orchestral works.

(posted 7 September 2002)

David Vickers interviews the baroque trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins about his interest in historical trumpets and performing Handel.

(posted 7 September 2002)

David Vickers reviews the ATMA Classique release Handel: Sacred Arias with Daniel Taylor (countertenor), Arion, and conductor/violinist Monica Huggett.

(posted 7 September 2002)

Les Robarts reviews the Argo/Decca reissue of Messiah with The Choir of King's College, Cambridge; The Brandenburg Consort, and conductor. Stephen Cleobury.

(posted 7 September 2002)

Chandos Records Ltd. has just released vol. 3 of Sophie Yates's survey of Handel's Harpsichord Works. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 25 August 2002)

Les Robarts reviews the Naxos recording of Nabal -- the pasticcio oratorio compiled by John Christopher Smith Jr. Performers include soloists, the Junge Kantorei, the Barockorchester Frankfurt, and conductor Joachim Carlos Martini.

(posted 16 August 2002)

Conductor Jean-Claude Malgoire is the recipient of the 2002 Händel-Preis. The Handel Prize is awarded by the Halle Handel Festival to individuals who through their efforts honor Handel's legacy and preserve his works.

(posted 12 August 2002)

Les Robarts reviews countertenor David Daniels's new collection of "Handel: Oratorio Arias" on the Virgin Classics label. Daniels is accompanied by the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris and conductor John Nelson.

(posted 11 August 2002)

David Vickers reviews:

(posted 31 July 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Arion recording of "Apollo e Dafne" and "Crudel tiranno amor". Performers include soprano Salomé Haller, baritone-bass (and conductor) Jérôme Corréas, and Les Paladins.

(posted 31 July 2002)

Centaur Records has released a new recording of Italian cantatas. Performers include the countertenor Jeffrey Gall, harpsichordist David Schrader, and gambist John Mark Rozendaal. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 26 July 2002)

The Arion recording label has released a new recording of cantatas that includes "Apollo e Dafne" and "Crudel tiranno amor". Performers include the soprano Salomé Haller, baritone-bass Jérôme Correas, and Les Paladins. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 25 July 2002)

We are very pleased to welcome Les Robarts to gfhandel.org. Here he reviews the Coro reissue of "Samson" with The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, and Harry Christophers, conductor.

(posted 11 July 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Accord reissue of "Cantates Romaines" with soprano Maria-Cristina Kiehr, Il Teatro Armonico, and Alessandro de Marchi, conductor.

(posted 10 July 2002)

ABC Classics has released a new recording titled "Handel Arias" with tenor David Hobson, Sinfonia Australis, Cantillation, and Anthony Walter, conductor. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 3 July 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new ATMA Classique recording of "Gloria" (Gloria in excelsis Deo) with Suzie LeBlanc (soprano), L'Académie Baroque de Montréal, and Alexander Weimann, conductor.

(posted 30 June 2002)

David Vickers reviews:

(posted 29 & 30 June 2002)

The latest issue of The Handel Institute Newsletter has just been published. It includes an obituary of the late Japanese Handel scholar Keiichiro Watanabe written by Donald Burrows, a review of Winton Dean's music score of Giulio Cesare by Anthony Hicks, and two articles: "Handel's Accumulation of Wealth" by Ellen Harris, and "New Accounts of Handel and the Oxford Act" by Thomas McGeary. To subscribe to The Handel Institute Newsletter, please visit http://gfhandel.org/hi/.

(posted 20 June 2002)

Carolina Baroque has released a 2 CD recording titled "Viva Voce!". It contains the two short vocal works: Acis and Galatea and Apollo e Dafne. For more information about this recording, including ordering information, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 6 June 2002)

Chandos Records Ltd. has released "Handel and the Oratorio -- for Concerts", an all instrumental sequel to the CD "Handel at the Opera." For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 22 May 2002)

Two new recording releases to announce:

For more information about these recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 4 May 2002)

David Vickers interviews Tess Knighton (Editor of Early Music and Early Music advisor at London's South Bank Centre). To read this interview, please click here.

(posted 4 May 2002)

The inaugural International Handel Recording Prize (2002) has been awarded to Alan Curtis and Il Complesso Barocco for their recording of Arminio. For more information about the recording prize, please click here.

(posted 4 May 2002)

David Vickers reviews the new Hyperion Records Ltd. recording of The Choice of Hercules with soloists, The Choir of the King's Consort, The King's Consort, and conductor Robert King.

(posted 27 April 2002)

Gfhandel.org is honored to present a recording review written by the Handelian scholar par excellence Terence Best. Here he reviews the MDG (Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm) recording release of the "Complete Flute Sonatas" with Konrad Hünteler (traverso), Rainer Zipperling (violoncello / viola da gamba), and Carsten Lohff (harpsichord).

(posted 8 April 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Vox Music Group 1991 recording release of Imeneo with the Brewer Chamber Orchestra and conductor Ruldoph Palmer. Now only available as part of the Brilliant Classics boxed set Handel: The Masterworks.)

(posted 6 April 2002)

DG/Archiv Produktion has released a recording of Handel's drama Hercules with such notable soloists as Anne Sofie von Otter, Richard Croft, Lynne Dawson, and David Daniels. They are joined by Les Musiciens du Louvre and conductor Marc Minkowski. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 4 April 2002)

The autograph score of Handel’s most famous work, Messiah, is coming to the Handel House Museum, on loan from the British Library, for the 260th anniversary of its first performance. It is the first time that the manuscript has returned to the house - where it was composed in 1741 - since Handel’s death in 1759.  For more information about "Messiah Returns" (26 March - 13 April, 2002), click on the Adobe PDF icon PDF file.

(posted 17 March 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Naxos release of Handel's oratorio Deborah with soloists, Junge Kantorei, Barockorchester Frankfurt, and Joachim Carlos Martini (conductor).

(posted 16 March 2002)

David Vickers interviews two members of the The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment during the OAE’s London concert series “Discovering Handel”: Anthony Robson (oboist) and Paul Nicholson (keyboardist) . To read these interviews, please click here.

(posted 16 March 2002)

The recording label, Roméo Records (USA), released "Special Hand'ling", music by Handel arranged for saxophone, violoncello, and harpsichord. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 16 March 2002)

The Hänssler Classic label released "Dettinger Te Deum" with the Collegium Vocale des Bach-Chores Siegen, the Hannoversche Hofkapelle, the Trompeten-Consort "Friedemann Immer", and Ulrich Stötzel (conductor). For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 12 March 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Messiah recording released on the ARTS label with Coro della Svizzera Italiana, I Barocchisti (period instruments), and Diego Fasolis (conductor).

(posted 6 March 2002)

The Naim Label released "A London Concert" with works by Handel, Geminiani, Festing, Veracini, and a transcription of a Handel aria by Babell.  For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 6 March 2002)

The ATMA Classique label released "Suites concertantes" with works by Handel, Telemann, JS Bach, and JB Bach. This compilation includes a suite from the opera Rinaldo. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 2 March 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Carus release of Handel's Dixit Dominus and Johann David Heinichen's Missa Nr.11 with the Dresdner Kammerchor, Dresdner Barockorchester, and conductor Hans-Christoph Rademann.

(posted 24 February 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new recording released on Callisto Records:"Crude Furie degli orridi abissi - Evil Arias by G. F. Händel" with sopranist Angelo Manzotti, the Finnish Ensemble Rocinante, and Tito Ceccherini (director).

(posted 10 February 2002)

Two new recording compilations with works by Handel including Dixit Dominus on the Carus label and "The Great Contest: Bach, Scarlatti, Handel" on the Loft Recordings label. For more information about these recordings, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 10 February 2002)

Conductor Alan Curtis and his 'Il Complesso Barocco' will record Deidamia on the 18 July 2002 at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Siena, Italy. (The recording is scheduled for release by Virgin Classics in June 2003.)  This will be followed by a Summer 2003 concert performance of Tolomeo and a recording release. For more information about these and other forthcoming recordings, please click here.

(posted 23 January 2002)

To inaugurate the new "Conferences & Workshops" webpage at gfhandel.org, we announce two conferences sponsored by The Handel Institute (Great Britain):

(posted 23 January 2002)

The Canadian label ATMA Classique has favored us with two new recording releases:

For more information about these recordings, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 21 January 2002)

BBC's Radio 3 "Music Restored" presents the fourth installment of "Baroque Opera Programme 4: English Baroque Opera" on 24 January 2002 . This is the final programme in the series in which Nicholas Anderson looks at the musical diversity of opera in the 17th & 18th centuries. Music includes excerpts from Blow's Venus and Adonis and Handel's Semele.

(posted 20 January 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Vox Classics recording of Faramondo with the Brewer Chamber Orchestra and Rudolph Palmer, conductor.

(posted 19 January 2002)

David Vickers reviews the Philips Digital Classics re-issue of Messiah with The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Sir Neville Marriner, conductor.

(posted 19 January 2002)

The British Library will host a lecture & concert titled "Handel in London" on 17 March 2002. For more information about this event, please visit the European concerts page at gfhandel.org.

(posted 19 January 2002)

David Vickers interviews Judy Tarling (member of The Parley of Instruments, Opera Restor'd, and The Brandenburg Consort). Ms. Tarling discusses her philosophy towards playing baroque violin and viola, and her experiences of Handel gained with many of the foremost English baroque orchestras. To read this interview, please click here.

(posted 19 January 2002)

The Tate Gallery and The Handel House Museum will co-host events connected with the Tate Britain's new display - "Hogarth and the Theatre of Life".

"Handel Versus Hogarth" - CD and slide lecture by Robin Simon, Editor of The British Art Journal.
22 Jan 2002; 10 am-12.30 pm: Tate Britain

Director's Tour of the Handel House Museum by Jacqueline Riding and "Handel in Rehearsal" - Slide talk and performance by Sarah Lenton, Theatre Historian
28 Jan 2002; 10 am-12:30 pm: Handel House Museum and St George's, Hanover Square

Free Screening of "The Great Mr Handel" (Norman Walker, 1942)
2 Feb 2002, 2:30 pm-4.10 pm: Tate Britain

"Handel in Concert" - Sarah Moffatt, violin; Alexandra Opsah, recorder; Richard Sweeney, theorbo and Henrik Persson, cello.
6 Feb 2002, 6:30 pm-8 pm: Tate Britain

Contact details for Tate Ticketing: Tel. +44 (0)20 7887 8888

(posted 16 January 2002)

The Australian recording label Artworks has released a CD of "Handel Arias" featuring soprano Emma Matthews with the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 14 January 2002)

Raumklang has released a recording of Italian secular cantatas and chamber music ("Italienische Liebeskantaten und Kammermusik") by Handel. Stephanie Houtzel (mezzo-soprano) and The Bouts Ensemble are featured. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 12 January 2002)

Christchurch College (one of the oldest and finest colleges at the University of Oxford and location of the City's Cathedral) is organising a summer course called "Handel in England". It runs from 7-13 July 2002, and costs £565 (EU citizens) or £795 (non-EU citizens). This includes full-board accommodation at the College for the entire week, excursions, and seminars. "The courses are designed principally for adult students with the aim of providing an opportunity for serious and yet enjoyable study".

For further details please contact: Programme Secretary, The Oxford Experience, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK. Tel. +44 (0)1865 270456, e-mail ipoxexp@conted.ox.ac.uk or visit the Website http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/Divisions/IP.

(posted 12 January 2002)

Naxos has released the Junge Kantorei, Barockorchester Frankfurt, and conductor Joachim Carlos Martini's recording of the oratorio Deborah. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 8 January 2002)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the Göttingen Handel Society's recording of Handel's opera Partenope.

(posted 4 January 2002)

The Handel Institute (Great Britain) is holding a study day in London on 9 March 2002, focusing on the Brockes Passion and Esther (both of which are to be subsequently performed in the London Handel Festival).

Please address enquiries to the Institute's honorary secretary:

Elizabeth Gibson
The Red House
Aldeburgh
Suffolk IP15 5PZ
England

(posted 4 January 2002)

Angelo Manzotti (sopranist), Ensemble Rocinante, and Callisto Records presents "Crude Furie degli orridi abissi - Evil Arias".  This recording includes arias from Admeto, Serse, Amadigi di Gaula, Faramondo, Alessandro, Rodrigo, Partenope, Teseo, Siroe, and Tamerlano. This release includes 2 CDs: The first CD contains music for a CD player. The second CD is a PC & Mac compatible "multimedia booklet", including scores. For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 4 January 2002)

The Göttingen Handel Festival and Society have released two live recordings with soloists, The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, the Arcadian Academy, and conductor Nicholas McGegan  from the 2001 festival: the opera Partenope and excerpts from the 3 June 2001 Göttingen Handel Festival gala concert. The gala concert included Handel's Gloria in excelsis Deo and Alessandro Scarlatti's St. Cecilia Vespers. For more information about these recordings, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 29 December 2001)

Gfhandel.org has begun a listing of scholarly Handel researchers from around the world. To view "The Guide to Current Handel Research," please click here.

(posted 23 December 2001)

David Vickers reviews the new Naxos release of the Dettingen Te Deum and the world premiere recording of the Te Deum in A major. 

(posted 22 December 2001)

David Vickers interviews David Bowles (recording producer and cellist). He talks about working with Nicholas McGegan, recording Handel operas at the Göttingen Festival, and the dangers of playing continuo. To read this interview, please click here.

(posted 22 December 2001)

Harvard University Press published Professor Ellen T. Harris's book "Handel as Orpheus: Voice and Desire in the Chamber Cantatas". For more information, see the Recent Handelian Publications page.

(posted 10 December 2001)

Early Music published two Handelian articles in the November 2001 issue:

(posted 8 December 2001)

MDG (Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm) has released Handel's "Complete Flute Sonatas" performed by Konrad Hünteler (traverso), Rainer Zipperling (violoncello), Carsten Lohff (harpsichord). For more information about this compilation, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 5 December 2001)

On the 28th of January 2002, from 10 am to 12:30 pm, director Jacqueline Riding of the Handel House Museum, London, will sponsor a guided tour of the museum. This will be followed by a talk, "Handel in Rehearsal", with theater historian Sarah Lenton, and illustrations by mezzo-soprano Frances Bourne and organist Simon Williams at St. George's Hanover Square.

For full details, call 020 7887 8888.

(posted 28 November 2001)

From January 22 to February 8, 2002, the Tate Britain, will present "Handel versus Hogarth" This is a series of musical performances, walking tours, screenings and slide lectures on composer George Frideric Handel's relationship with artist William Hogarth. On the 22nd January, from 10 am - 12:30 pm, Robin Simmons will lecture on "Hogarth and the Theatre of Life."

For full details, call 020 7887 8888.

(posted 28 November 2001)

On the 15th of December at 7:30 p.m., the BBC's Radio 3 will broadcast works by Handel, including The Water Music. Performances by the Academy of Ancient Music (Christopher Hogwood, conductor). Recorded at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

(posted 28 November 2001)

David Vickers reviews the new Hyperion Recordings release of the reconstruction of the 1727 Coronation of King George II at Westminster Abbey: "The Coronation of King George II". (2 CDs for the price of 1!) 

(posted 22 November 2001)

David Vickers reviews the new Philips Classics release of Handel's Gloria in excelsis Deo and Dixit Dominus (including Vivaldi's Gloria). 

(posted 22 November 2001)

David Vickers, Philippe Gelinaud, and Brad Leissa have joined forces and created a new section titled: "Recommended Recordings of Works by Handel's Contemporaries". We hope you enjoy it! To view these selections, click here. 

(posted 18 November 2001)

We at gfhandel.org are pleased to announce a new exclusive feature: Interviews with noted Handelians (performers, musicologists, etc.). For the premiere issue, David Vickers interviews Jacqueline Riding, Director of the Handel House Museum, Brook Street, London. To read this interview, please click here.

(posted 18 November 2001)

Hyperion Recordings Ltd. has released the new recording, "Coronation of George II" - A reconstruction of the 1727 Coronation of King George II at Westminster Abbey. The recording includes Handel's "Coronation Anthems" and ceremonial music by John Blow, William Child, John Farmer, Orlando Gibbons, Henry Purcell, and Thomas Tallis. Performers include the Choir of The King's Consort, The King's Consort (period instruments), and Robert King, conductor. For more information about this compilation, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 18 November 2001)

David Vickers reviews the new Hyperion Recordings Ltd. release of "The Complete Flute Sonatas". 

(posted 17 November 2001)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new MDG recording release of Belshazzar with soloists, Kölner Kammerchor, Collegium Cartusianum, and Peter Neumann conducting.

(posted 7 November 2001)

Brilliant Classics (Joan Records) has released a 40-CD Handel compilation of earlier recordings with various works, including oratorios, operas, passions, vocal works, orchestral works, and chamber music. For more information about this compilation, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 6 November 2001)

David Vickers reviews the new EMI Classics recording release of "Coronation Anthems" (and the Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne). 

(posted 4 November 2001)

Conductor Peter Neumann along with the Collegium Cartusianum and Kölner Kammerchor have released their fourth Handelian oratorio on the MDG label: Belshazzar. Previous Handelian oratorio recording releases by Neumann have included Saul, Susanna, and Theodora. For more information about the Belshazzar recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 20 October 2001)

Deutsche Grammophon/Archiv Produktion has released their 1997 complete (2 CD) recording of Messiah with Marc Minkowski conducting his orchestra Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble. This recording was originally the soundtrack for William Klein's film "Messiah". (This soundtrack previously had a limited release in France as a single CD compilation of Messiah excerpts.) For more information about this recording, please visit the new releases page.

(posted 17 October 2001)

Philippe Gelinaud reviews the new Virgin Classics recording release "Handel / Bach Arias" with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, and John Nelson conducting. The countertenor David Daniels joins Blythe for the duet Madre!... Son nata a lagrimar from the opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto.

(posted 12 October 2001)

In June 2001 the Initiative für Halle und den Saalkreis (IfHaS) published an English version of the Handel guide to Halle. It bears the title: "G.F. Handel: A Guide through his Native Town"  It costs DM 5.-  For more information, e-mail kontakt@ifhas.de

(posted 3 October 2001)

David Vickers reviews the recent reissue of Brockes Passion (HWV 48) from Deutsche Grammophon's "Originals" series. To read this review, please visit the reviews page.

(posted 30 September 2001)

We are pleased to welcome Philippe Gelinaud as a CD Reviews Correspondent to gfhandel.org. (Philippe is also an Honorary Contributor to gfhandel.org's Concert Calendar.)

Philippe pursues a PhD in musicology at the University La Sorbonne. His area of study is heroism in Handel operas and Faramondo in particular. His PhD work is "Faramondo de G.F. Handel sur un livret d'A. Zeno: étude des sources et confrontation au modèle métastasien". (translation: "G.F. Handel's Faramondo with a libretto by A. Zeno: a study of the sources and a comparison to the metastasian model".) He retains the option with the Hallische-Händel-Ausgabe (HHA) to produce the scholarly edition of this opera. He is also a reviewer for the monthly magazine 'Opéra International' and a countertenor in the Choeur de Chambre de l'Ile de France.

To read Philippe's review of the recent Deidamia recording release and his Desert Island disc selections, visit the reviews page.

(posted 25 September 2001)

During the week of 29 October 2001 (through 2 November), from 9 am - 10 am, Handel will be the "Composer of the Week" on BBC Radio 3. On 1 November at 4 p.m., Radio 3's "Music Restored" program will visit the London Handel House.

(posted 24 September 2001)

Shalev Ad-El will direct the world premiere performance of the 18th-Century Hebrew translation of Handel's oratorio Esther (HWV 50a) at the "92nd Street Y" in New York City  on the 26th and 27th of February 2002. He will be joined by the soprano Suzie LeBlanc, the countertenor Michael Chance, the tenor Charles Daniels, the vocal ensemble Oslo Baroque Soloists, and the instrumental ensemble Il Gardellino.

(posted 23 September 2001)

During the month of October, Regis Records will re-release (previously released by Carlton Classics /IMP Classics) the recording, "Great Baroque Arias". This recording includes works by Handel, JS Bach, Purcell, Vivaldi, and J. Weldon; performances by Gillian Fisher, James Bowman, John Mark Ainsley, Michael George, and The King's Consort. (Catalog number: RRC1062) (For details, visit the Recent Reissues section.)

(posted 23 September 2001)

When it rains, it pours! Several other Handelian recording releases forthcoming during the months of September & October:

For more details about these recordings, click here.

(posted 21 September 2001)

Naxos will release during the month of October a recording of Handel's Dettingen Te Deum (HWV 283) and Te Deum in A major (HWV 282). Performers include Dorothee Mields (soprano), Ulrike Andersen (alto), Mark Wilde (tenor), Chris Dixon (bass), the Alsfelder Vokalensemble Bremen, Concerto Polonia (from Warsaw, Poland), and Wolfgang Helbich (conductor). Naxos 8.554753

(posted 19 September 2001)

Handelian memorabilia are being added to gfhandel.org.  If you have pictures of memorabilia you'd like to submit (electronic or photographs), please contact info@gfhandel.org. If you would like to be identified as the contributor (or to remain anonymous), please make note of this.

(posted 13 September 2001)

The soprano Suzie LeBlanc and L'Académie Baroque de Montréal have recorded Handel's Gloria in excelsis Deo (including arias by J.S. Bach and Vivaldi) for the Canadian recording label ATMA Classique.

(posted 10 September 2001)

The August 2001 issue of Early Music contains a 10-page paper/article (including photographs) titled "A newly discovered Gloria by Handel", and it is written by Professor Hans Joachim Marx. Professor Marx presents his musicological evidence pertaining to the recent "discovery": Handel's Gloria in excelsis Deo.

(posted 6 September 2001)

This year's Handel Festival (Denver, Colorado) will take place on the 6,7, and 14 October 2001. Concerts will include baroque violin sonatas, organ concerti, and English anthems by Handel and other composers.

(posted 30 August 2001)

During the month of October Candlewick Press (Cambridge, Massachusetts) will release a picture book biography on Handel for children ages 8-12, entitled"Handel, Who Knew What He Liked" "Handel, Who Knew What He Liked" (ISBN: 0-7636-1046-1). It is written by M.T. Anderson and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.

According to the publisher:

"This witty and yet rigorously researched and accessible biography captures Handel's essential spirit. M. T. Anderson shows Handel's struggles and chronicles the illness, ill fortune, and despair that led to his greatest achievement, the Messiah, and Kevin Hawkes illustrates the singular story of Handel with impeccable detail and a wink at the reader"

(posted 23 August 2001)

Albany Records (USA) has released a recording of Deidamia (HWV 42) with Julianne Baird, Brenda Harris, John Cheek, D'Anna Fortunato, Maire O'Brien, Peter Castaldi, The Palmer Singers, The Brewer Chamber Orchestra, Edward Brewer (harpsichord), and Rudolf Palmer (conductor). (3 CDs; Catalogue number: TROY460) (Click here for more....)

(posted 23 August 2001)

Deutsche Grammophon's "The Originals" series (from the Archiv Produktion recording library) has reissued Brockes Passion (HWV 48) with Maria Stader, Edda Moser, Paul Esswood, Ernst Haefliger, Jerry J. Jennings, Theo Adam, Choir of the cathedral of Ratisbonne, Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, and August Wenzinger (conductor) (3 CDs; Catalog number: 463 644-2) (Recorded in1967.)

(posted 22 August 2001)

Trevor Pinnock and The English Concert will release Tamerlano (HWV 18) early 2002 (circa March) as the first CD on their own recording label. (March 2002 update: to be released on the new Avie recording label.)

(posted 21 August 2001)

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