Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Baroque music with "Baroque Legends: Handel & Vivaldi," a captivating album set for release on June 13, 2025, by George Frideric Handel. This exquisite collection, spanning a concise yet powerful 55 minutes, brings together some of the most celebrated works from the Baroque era, showcasing the genius of Handel and Vivaldi.
The album is a rich tapestry of genres, seamlessly blending classical, choral, and operatic elements. It features a diverse array of compositions, from the grandeur of Handel's orchestral suites and concertos to the intricate beauty of his chamber music. Vivaldi's contributions add a layer of virtuosity and innovation, highlighting the dynamic interplay between these two masters of the Baroque period.
Highlights include Handel's iconic "Music for the Royal Fireworks," the stirring "Concerto for Strings and Continuo in D minor," and the enchanting "Flute Sonata in D major." Vivaldi's "Concerto for Strings in G Major, RV 151 'Concerto alla Rustica'" and "Concerto for Violin and Strings in D, Op. 12/3" are standout pieces that demonstrate his unparalleled skill in composition.
"Baroque Legends: Handel & Vivaldi" is not just an album; it is an experience that transports listeners to the lavish courts and grand opera houses of the 18th century. The meticulous arrangement and performance of these timeless pieces by George Frideric Handel ensure that this collection will be a treasured addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Baroque music, this album offers a profound and enjoyable exploration of some of the most influential works of the era.
Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: II. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in D minor, RV 129: 4. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Concerto a due cori No. 1, HWV 332: 1. OuvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Alcina, HWV 34 / Overture: MusetteGeorge Frideric Handel, Il Complesso Barocco, Alan Curtis
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G major, RV 151 "Concerto alla Rustica": 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Flute Sonata in D major, HWV 378: 3. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, William Bennett, Nicholas Kraemer, Denis Vigay
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in B minor, R.168: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Venice Baroque Orchestra, Andrea Marcon
Concerto for Violin and Strings in D , Op. 12/3 , RV 124: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Pavlo Beznosiuk, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 1: 20. SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras, Kenneth Sillito
12 Concertos, Op. 3 "L'estro armonico" / Concerto No. 7 in F Major for 4 Violins, RV 567: 5. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Catherine Mackintosh, Elizabeth Wilcock, John Holloway, Monica Huggett, Susan Sheppard, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G major, RV 145: 3. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, I Musici
Concerto grosso in G Major, Op. 3, No. 3, HWV 314: III. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Gerhart Hetzel, Hedwig Bilgram, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Alcina, HWV 34 / Act 3: TamburinoGeorge Frideric Handel, Il Complesso Barocco, Alan Curtis
L'incoronazione di Dario, RV 719: Sinfonia in C: 3. Presto (Allegro)Antonio Vivaldi, I Musici
Saul, HWV 53 / Act 2: 65. SymphonyGeorge Frideric Handel, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh, Timothy Roberts
Water Music Suite No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349: V. Air [Bourrée]George Frideric Handel, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G major, RV 151 "Concerto alla Rustica": 2. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Oboe Sonata in f major, HWV 363a: 5. MenuettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, Neil Black, Graham Sheen, George Malcolm
Il Bajazet (Il Tamerlano), RV 703 / Sinfonia: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Venice Baroque Orchestra, Andrea Marcon
Organ Concerto No. 4 in F Major, Op. 4 No. 4, HWV 292: 3. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Peter Hurford, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, Johan Kracht, Henk Sekreve, Joshua Rifkin
12 Concertos, Op. 3 "L'estro armonico", Concerto No. 10 in B Minor for 4 Violins and Cello (Arr. P. Romero for 4 Guitars): IIa. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Angel Romero, Celedonio Romero, Celin Romero, Pepe Romero, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Victor Alessandro
Trio Sonata for 2 Oboes and Continuo in A, Op. 5, No. 1, HWV 396: 4. Gavotte (Allegro)George Frideric Handel, Celia Nicklin, Neil Black, George Malcolm, Graham Sheen, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in G Minor for Flute & Strings, Op.10, No.2, RV439 - "La notte": 4. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Severino Gazzelloni, I Musici
Recorder Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 11, HWV 369: 3. Alla sicilianaGeorge Frideric Handel, Michala Petri, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in D major, RV 121: 2. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, I Musici
Rinaldo / Act 1: PreludeGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Ariodante HWV 33 / Act 1: Musette II (Andante)George Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Flute Concerto In G Minor, Op.10, No.2, RV439 - "La notte": 2. Fantasmi (Presto)Antonio Vivaldi, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in D minor, R.127: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Venice Baroque Orchestra, Andrea Marcon
Trio Sonata for 2 Violins and Continuo in G minor, Op. 5, No. 5, HWV 400: 5. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, Kenneth Sillito, Malcolm Latchem, Alan Cuckston, Denis Vigay, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Guitar and Strings in G minor, Op. 10, No. 2, R.439 - Arr. from Flute Concerto in G minor, Op. 10 No. 2, R.439: 2. Fantasmi (Presto)Antonio Vivaldi, Pepe Romero, I Musici
Organ Concerto No. 16 in F Major, HWV 305a: IV. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, George Malcolm, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Harpsichord Suite Set I No. 3 in D minor HWV 428: 1. PreludeGeorge Frideric Handel, Colin Tilney
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G major, RV 151 "Concerto alla Rustica": 1. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Orlando, HWV 31 / Act 3: Sinfonia IGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Orlando, HWV 31 / Act 3: Sinfonia IIGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in B flat, R.163 "Conca": 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Venice Baroque Orchestra, Andrea Marcon
Sonata in E minor for Violin and Continuo, Op. 2/9 , RV 16: 4. Gavotta (Presto)Antonio Vivaldi, Salvatore Accardo, Rohan De Saram, Bruno Canino
Ariodante HWV 33 / Act 2: Entrée des Songes agréables affligésGeorge Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in F minor, RV 143: 2. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, I Musici
Concerto in G Minor for Flute & Strings, Op.10, No.2, RV439 - "La notte": 2. Fantasmi (Presto)Antonio Vivaldi, Severino Gazzelloni, I Musici
12 Concerti grossi, Op. 6 - Concerto grosso in E minor, Op. 6, No. 3: 1. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Handel and Haydn Society, Christopher Hogwood
Concerto for Strings in G Major, RV 151 "Alla rustica": II. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Ariodante HWV 33 / Act 2: Prelude (Notte con lume di luna)George Frideric Handel, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Ezio (or Aetius), 1732 / Act 2: SinfoniaGeorge Frideric Handel, Il Complesso Barocco, Alan Curtis
Flute Concerto In G Minor, Op.10, No.2, RV439 - "La notte": 4. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Trio Sonata in E flat for 2 Violins and Continuo, Op. 1/7 , RV 65: 4. Giga (Presto)Antonio Vivaldi, Salvatore Accardo, Franco Gulli, Rohan De Saram, Bruno Canino
Flute Sonata in B minor, HWV 376 "Halle" No. 3: 3. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, William Bennett, Nicholas Kraemer, Denis Vigay
Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G major, RV 151 "Concerto alla Rustica": 2. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, I Musici
George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, is one of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque era, renowned for his enduring influence on classical music. His prolific career spanned various genres, including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. Handel's compositions, such as the iconic 'Water Music' and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', continue to captivate audiences today. After settling in London in 1712, he became a prominent figure in British musical life, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Handel's works are celebrated for their grandeur and emotional depth, making him a cornerstone of the Baroque period and a symbol of European musical heritage. His final resting place is in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring legacy.