Handel walks
Post categories: Suzanne Aspden
| 15:14 UK time, Monday, 6 April 2009
I'm very pleased Handel week occurs when it does (geared around the actual anniversary we're marking - the 250th of his death on 14 April 1759). It's terrific, of course, to celebrate Handel's music at Easter time, which marked the culmination of his Lenten oratorio season, which was in turn so strongly associated with the composer's posthumous reputation.
But my reasons for appreciating this choice of dates are entirely selfish, to do with the glorious spring sunshine we're having at present. Last week I spent two long days walking the streets of London, recording a set of ten 'Handel calling cards', at various locations which would have been significant to the composer. These are to be played between the concerts in the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Handel Day on 19 April, as five-minute vignettes on the composer's life.
One thing that struck me in the process is just how small London was in those days. When Handel moved to Brook Street (just below Oxford Street, in Mayfair) in 1723, it was part of a new building project on the outskirts of the city: it was still possible to shoot game birds at the end of Handel's street! From there, it took us a few minutes to walk to St George's, Hanover Square, and only another ten or so to get to the Royal Academy (Burlington House, home of Handel's patron in the 1710s, the Earl of Burlington). Again, from there it was just a few minutes to the Haymarket, and about ten minutes to St James's... And so on.
Of course, Handel may not actually have walked very much of this route: as John Gay recounted in his Trivia: or, the Art of Walking the Streets of London (1716), these were perilous places to wander, with the lack of pavements, the open sewers, and the crowds of hawkers and beggars (or worse). But it must also have been exhilarating. Why else would a composer with globetrotting tendencies have chosen to stay?
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~39~RS~)
Comments
My Dad and I are really enjoying your Handel weekend so far, but have been driven mad trying to identify the music used in the TV advert for the Handel Weekend. The one with the two ladies in the shopping centre stepping on and off the BBC Radio 3 logo. What is the peice played when they enter the logo?
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I agree. I would love to find out what it is called, but cant see anything on the internet. What a super advert
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went to the handel house museum today and it was fab :)
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I too am keen to discover the title of the trailer advertising Handel week on BBC1 set in a shopping centre. I would be grateful to anyone who can put me out of my misery
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This is going to sound awful but ... I haven't seen the advertisement yet! I've been out of the country for the past week (bad timing, I know), and have managed to miss it all so far. I'll try to find out and get back to you...
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I have done some serious investigating and have discovered that music in the advert is the introduction to the cantata Il Delirio Amoroso. It is on the little known Coro label serial number COR16030. Soloist is Anne Murray. conducted by Harry Christophers. A lunch time well spent.
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Can anyone tell me exactly how to vote for the 10 best Handel moments? I can't seem to find it anywhere on the BBC Radio 3 website.
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Handel overkill?! A little. Being on holiday I have had time to enjoy a lot of your excellent week on the composer. The close sound of the harpsichord in the small-ish room at the Handel house has worked very well on radio. The Essay has been great. Music matters was v.interesting. The concert from the Foundling hospital was brill. Catherine Bott we love you - you are an excellent presenter but I do wish you would sing to us more instead - its such a pure voice - I love the sound. Thank you Andrew McGregor for today - the Arte dei Suonatori concert was amazing and to hear Andreas singing again is a treat. Thank you BBC for your hard work this week - old George deserves it!
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Is there any chance of seeing the advert again on-line? I found it one of the most entertaining moments on tv lately.
Simon
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Hello and thanks for your questions!
The Radio 3 TV trail features the introduction to Handel's Il Delirio Amoroso performed by Ann Murray (mezzo) and the Symphony of Harmony and Invention and conducted by Harry Christophers [CORO COR16030].
As regards the 'Top Ten HandelBars', this wasn't an online vote but a list drawn up on the basis of listeners' input to Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Graeme Kay
Interactive Producer, BBC Radio 3
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Can anyone tell me what music is used for the Purcell TV adverts for Radio 3?
Thanks.
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