Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra - Alexander's Feast April 20, 2012

Handel's Ode to the Power of Music

The season's spectacular close is Handel's ode Alexander's Feast, or the Power of Music, based on the work by 17th Century English poet John Dryden, with three acclaimed vocal soloists and the Philharmonia Chorale. For their recent performances in Haydn's The Creation, the San Francisco Chronicle raved: "Dominique Labelle was nothing short of exquisite... Philip Cutlip was a lithe, muscular counterweight." The New York Sun has called James Taylor's singing "almost impossibly fresh, lovely - and accurate."

Dryden sets his ode at the victory feast of Alexander the Great where the court bard brings the triumphant conqueror through a range of emotions and shows how music can "swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire." Handel's setting of this literary gem is a masterpiece, reminding concertgoers of music's ability to sway hearts and minds. A fitting conclusion to a stunning Philharmonia Baroque season, and a worthy display of the power of music.

Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Dominique Labelle, soprano
James Taylor, tenor
Philip Cutlip, baritone
Philharmonia Chorale, Bruce Lamott, Director
HANDEL: Alexander's Feast, or The Power of Musick, HWV 75

Concerto Grosso in C Major, HWV 318 "Alexander's Feast"

Official Website: http://www.philharmonia.org