Composer of the Week - George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) - Episode 2

Donald Macleod explores Handel's oratorios, focusing on the accidental conception of the English oratorio. Esther (excerpt from Sc 2) The Sixteen The Symphony of Harmony and Invention Harry Christophers (conductor) Coro COR16019, CD 1, Tr 12 Esther (excerpts from Sc 2) Ahasuerus ...... Tom Randle (tenor) Esther ...... Lynda Russell (soprano) Haman ...... Michael George (bass) The Sixteen The Symphony of Harmony and Invention Harry Christophers (conductor) Coro COR16019 CD 2, Trs 15-19 Deborah (1733) - excerpt from Act 3, Sc 2 Abinoam ...... Michael George (bass) Barak ...... James Bowman (coutertenor) Jael and An Israelite Woman ...... Susan Gritton (mezzo-soprano) Deborah ...... Yvonne Kenny (soprano) Choir of New College, Oxford Edward Higginbottom (director) The King's Consort Robert King (conductor) Hyperion CDA66841/2, CD 2, Trs 21-29 Athalia (Act 1, Sc 3) Athalia ...... Joan Sutherland (soprano) Mathan ...... Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor) Abner ...... David Thomas (bass) Choir of New College, Oxford Edward Higginbottom (chorus master) The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood (conductor) Decca 475 207-2, CD 1, Trs 7-12.