Alexander’s Feast
George Frideric Handel

The nature of Alexander’s Feast is perhaps better summed up by its other title, The Power of Music. It is in fact a celebratory ode for St Cecilia’s Day, written by Dryden in 1697 for the City of London’s traditional celebration of the patron saint of music, and set in suitably celebratory style by Handel in 1736. At its first performance that year, he incorporated two delightful concertos, one for harp and the other for organ, and these are included in this recording.

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Schallplattenkritik

“A remarkable recording is welcomed to the catalogue.”
Repertoire, France

Nancy Argenta, Ian Partridge, Michael George
The Sixteen
The Symphony of Harmony and Invention
Harry Christophers

COR16028

CD1
1 - 4 Alexander’s Feast (opening)
5 - 7 Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat
triple harp Andrew Lawrence-King
archlute Stephen Stubbs
lirone Erin Headley
8 - 23 Alexander’s Feast
Total timing: 69.42

CD2
1 - 9 Alexander’s Feast
10 - 13 Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor
organ Paul Nicholson
14 Alexander’s Feast (conclusion)
Total timing: 46.04