Composer of the Week - George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) - George Frideric Handel - Episode 1

Donald Macleod explores John Mainwaring's Memoirs of the Life of the Late George Frideric Handel, published in 1760. He discovers that Mainwaring's book is almost the only source for information about Handel's early life. His account is full of colourful incidents, many of which have since entered musical mythology, but Donald examines how how far we can trust Mainwairing's lively portrayal of the young composer. Part of Radio 3's Composers of the Year 2009 season. Sonata for two violins and strings, Op 5, No 4 Purcell Quartet Chaconne CHAN0620, tracks 1-5 Vedrai s'a tuo dispetto (Almira) Emma Kirkby (soprano) The Brandenburg Consort Roy Goodman (director) Hyperion, CDA66860, track 2 Concerto grosso in F, Op 6, No 2 Concentus Musicus Wien Nikolaus Harnoncourt (director) Teldec 4509955002, CD2 tracks 6-9 Laudate pueri Dominum Choeur des Musiciens du Louvre Les Musiciens du Louvre Marc Minkowski (director) Archive 4596272, track 7-14.