Great Performances Season 47 Episode 4 Handel: Italian Style

Handel: Italian Style is an episode from the 47th season of Great Performances. This episode features Handel's works that were written during his time in Italy, where he spent several years learning from Italian composers and absorbing the country's rich musical traditions.

The program includes performances of Handel's earliest Italian works, including his chamber cantatas, or vocal pieces, composed for performance in aristocratic circles. These cantatas are known for their lyricism and expressive melodies, and they showcase Handel's early mastery of the Italian style.

The episode also includes highlights from Handel's Italian operas, including Rinaldo and Ariodante. These operas showcase Handel's ability to create dramatic, emotionally charged music that fully expresses the inner lives of his characters.

In addition to the performances, the episode includes interviews with Handel scholars and experts who discuss the composer's time in Italy and his influences from Italian composers such as Alessandro Scarlatti and Arcangelo Corelli. These insights help to contextualize Handel's work within the broader musical traditions of Italy during the Baroque era.

Overall, Handel: Italian Style is a fascinating exploration of the composer's early years and his ongoing engagement with Italian music and culture throughout his career. The performances and expert commentary combine to create a rich and immersive experience for lovers of classical music and Baroque opera, offering a deeper understanding of one of the most important and influential composers of all time.