Alexander's Feast

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Alexander's Feast

Handel’s Ode to the Power of Music

The season’s spectacular close is Handel’s ode Alexander’s Feast, or the Power of Music, based on the work by 17th Century English poet John Dryden, with three acclaimed vocal soloists and the Philharmonia Chorale. For their recent performances in Haydn’s The Creation, the San Francisco Chronicle raved: “Dominique Labelle was nothing short of exquisite… Philip Cutlip was a lithe, muscular counterweight.” The New York Sun has called James Taylor’s singing “almost impossibly fresh, lovely – and accurate.”

Dryden sets his ode at the victory feast of Alexander the Great where the court bard brings the triumphant conqueror through a range of emotions and shows how music can “swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.” Handel’s setting of this literary gem is a masterpiece, reminding concertgoers of music’s ability to sway hearts and minds. A fitting conclusion to a stunning Philharmonia Baroque season, and a worthy display of the power of music.

Additional Dates:
Fri April 20, 2012 8:00pm
Herbst Theatre
Sat April 21, 2012 8:00pm
First Congregational Church - Berkeley
Sun April 22, 2012 7:30pm
First Congregational Church - Berkeley

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Program

Handel

Alexander's Feast, or the Power of Music, HWV 75

Handel

Concerto Grosso in C Major, HWV 318 “Alexander’s Feast”

Performers

Philharmonia Choral

Bruce Lamott, director

More About This Event

Artist Spotlights
April 3, 2012

Soprano Dominique Labelle shares her thoughts on preparing for a performance, finding one’s career path, and wanting to teach voice to others.

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