Record Review

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

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Music: Classical

A thorough look at the week's classical music releases, plus news and recommendations.

A thorough look at the week's classical music releases, plus news and the Radio 3 Disc of the Week recommendation.

Record Review: Handel's Theodora with Kirsten Gibson and Andrew McGregor

Handel's Theodora with Kirsten Gibson and Andrew McGregor

BBC Radio 3 - Record Review, Handel's Theodora with Kirsten Gibson and Andrew McGregor

Kirsten Gibson chooses her favourite recording of Handel's dramatic oratorio Theodora.

Kirsten Gibson chooses her favourite recording of Handel's dramatic oratorio Theodora, and Emily MacGregor brings some exciting new classical releases into the studio.

Andrew McGregor with the best new recordings of classical music.

2.05 pm
Emily MacGregor brings some exciting new releases into the studio.

3.00 pm
Building a Library

Kirsten Gibson chooses her favourite recording of George Frideric Handel's Theodora.

As Judas Maccabaeus, The Occasional Oratorio and Joshua showed, Handel certainly knew how to write a chauvinist, tub-thumping hit of an oratorio; with its contrasts between the reflective and the grand and ceremonial, Messiah was an instant success. But for his penultimate oratorio, the 64-year-old Handel set a story of religious devotion and human dignity to music whose prevailing mood is its reflective inwardness. With music of unsentimental tenderness beautiful, contemplative arias are often matched with serene and poignant choruses as the story of spiritual strength and agonising loss unfolds. 

In fourth-century Antioch, the noble woman Theodora refuses to join a pagan ritual in honour of the Roman emperor. Imprisoned and, condemned to a fate worse than death, Theodora is sent to the temple of Venus to be a prostitute. Didimus, a Roman soldier in love with Theodora and a secret Christian convert, changes clothes with her and takes her place in prison. But their plan is discovered and the oratorio ends as they await their martydom.

Much to Handel's chagrin, Theodora was a flop but today it's recognised as one of his greatest works, full of memorable and moving music.

Kirsten's choice:
Louise Alder (Theodora), Tim Mead (Didymus), Anna Stéphany (Irene), Stuart Jackson (Septimius), Adam Plachetka (Valens)
Arcangelo
Jonathan Cohen (conductor)
Alpha ALPHA1025

1545
Record of the Week: Andrew’s top pick.

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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Handel's Theodora with Kirsten Gibson and Andrew McGregor

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