Now Hear This Season 1 Episode 4 Handel: Italian Style

Now Hear This season 1 episode 4, "Handel: Italian Style", explores the life and work of composer George Frideric Handel during his time in Italy. Host and renowned conductor Scott Yoo travels to various historical locations in Italy, including Rome and Naples, to learn more about the influence Italian culture had on Handel's music.

The episode begins with Yoo traveling to Rome, where Handel spent a significant portion of his early career. Yoo explores the city, taking in the architecture and art that inspired Handel's compositions. He also visits several churches and performance venues where Handel's music was first performed, including the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and the Palazzo Doria Pamphili.

Yoo then travels to Naples, where Handel spent time studying the works of Italian composers such as Alessandro Scarlatti. In Naples, Yoo meets with musicologist Federico Maria Sardelli, who discusses Handel's use of Italian musical forms such as the cantata and the opera. They also visit the Teatro di San Carlo, one of the oldest and most famous opera houses in Europe, where Handel's operas were performed during his time in Naples.

Throughout the episode, Yoo also conducts performances of Handel's music with various orchestras and ensembles in Italy. He discusses the challenges of interpreting Handel's music and the importance of understanding the context in which it was created.

The episode concludes with Yoo reflecting on the impact Handel's time in Italy had on his music and his legacy as a composer. He also notes the relevance and enduring popularity of Handel's music, even centuries after it was first composed.

Overall, "Handel: Italian Style" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of the greatest composers in history. Through Yoo's expert guidance and insightful commentary, viewers are taken on a journey through Handel's Italian influences and the lasting impact they had on his music.