The Early Music Show

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Music: Classical: Early Music

Performance and news from the world of early music.

An exploration of early music, looking at early developments in musical performance and composition in Britain and abroad. UK only: please note that not all episodes are podcast.

The Early Music Show: The Judgement of Paris

Canada 150: La Nef

The Judgement of Paris

BBC Radio 3 - The Early Music Show, The Judgement of Paris

Music from an intriguing 18th-century opera-composing competition, The Judgement of Paris.

Hannah French explores the music and stories behind an intriguing 18th-century competition to compose a new opera based on William Congreve's libretto, The Judgement of Paris.

At the turn of the 18th century, a contest was announced in an attempt was made to kick-start the operatic scene in London. The brief was to set an all-sung English opera based on William Congreve's short libretto: The Judgement of Paris. An alluring 100 guineas was promised to the winner, and four contestants entered the competition: John Weldon, John Eccles, Daniel Purcell and Gottfried Finger. 

Each entry was given an individual premiere before all four were staged on one night - a grand finale at Dorset Garden Theatre on 3 June 1701. The competition was judged by a public vote... what could possibly go wrong? 

Hannah French explores the music and stories of the four entries.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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The Early Music Show

The Judgement of Paris

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