Of all the biggest-name composers, Handel probably wrote the most truly
great music that no one knows about. This book takes the curious
listener through his entire output, from his earliest works in Italy,
through his more than 40 operas, and including the famous English
oratorios on which his reputation largely rests. Along the way it
examines his orchestral music, the pieces he wrote for England's lavish
royal ceremonies, and his surprisingly limited production of sacred
music. Just as important, the book surveys and recommends recordings of
all of the music discussed, so that listeners can acquire a music
collection of whatever depth suits them best, while the included CD
features top-notch recordings from the Harmonia Mundi label of a wide
range of Handel's music in all of the major media in which he worked,
both vocal and instrumental. Few composers cared more than Handel about
pleasing his listeners and creating a body of work that was both
entertaining and fun. It's time to blow away the Victorian cobwebs that
have dogged his reputation, and discover just how much there is to
enjoy.