Handel in London - The Making of a Genius

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 LW

Handel in London - The Making of a Genius by Jane Glover: 5. Truth

5. Truth

Handel in London - The Making of a Genius by Jane Glover

BBC Radio 4 - Handel in London - The Making of a Genius by Jane Glover, 5. Truth

Handel must confront the terrible truth that he is going blind.

With changes in London and mixed reviews for his new work, Handel must confront a terrible truth. Concluded by the author.

Back in London, Handel finds a highly charged political landscape and reviews  of his new work are mixed.

Meanwhile, the composer must confront the terrible truth that he is going blind...

Jane Glover's Handel in London tells the story of a young German composer who in 1712, followed his princely master to London and would remain there for the rest of his life.

That master would become King George II and the composer was George Frederic Handel. He would be at the heart of musical activity in London for the next four decades, composing masterpiece after masterpiece, whether the glorious coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest, operas such as Giulio Cesare and Alcina or the great oratorios, culminating, of course, in Messiah.

Jane Glover, who has conducted Handel’s work in opera houses and concert halls throughout the world, draws on her profound understanding of music and musicians to tell Handel’s story.

Featuring music from Handel’s vast output.

Abridged by Eileen Horne.

Concluded by Jane Glover.

Producer: Clive Brill

A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Audiobooks

Factual: Life Stories

Jane Glover's vivid account of the German composer's life in 18th-century London.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Handel in London - The Making of a Genius by Jane Glover

5. Truth

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4