Donald Burrows outlines the risks Handel faced when developing his own style of biblical concert drama.

Handel: A Classical Icon - for iPod/iPhone

Handel's Samson Oratorio in Context

An introduction to Handel's background, his classic hits and his life in London.

Who is Handel?

A taste of Handel's elaborate arias, dramatic plots and impressive stage scenery. Highlights from a modern ENO performance, and a preserved eighteenth century theatre.

Handel's Opera

Donald Burrows visits Handel's parish church in London and describes how Handel composed the most powerful Cathedral music Britain had ever heard.

Handel's Church Music

The story behind Handel's most famous oratorio, Messiah. What distinguishes an oratorio from an opera and what is special about Handel's oratorios?

Handel's Oratorio

How a royal quarrel led to the finest water party in London's history.

Handel's Water Music

Who did Handel work for and how did he make a living? A smart political operator, Handel composed for royalty in Rome, Germany and Britain.

Handel's Patrons

Opera singers of C18th were as famous as premier football players today. Donald Burrows reveals the scandals that made Handel's theatre the talk of the town.

Handel's Divas

Donald Burrows introduces an authentic recording, performed by Harry Christopher and The Sixteen.

Handel's Samson Oratorio Extract

This is a special time for Handel scholars. Donald Burrows talks about the conferences and performances taking place this year, and describes his latest projects.

Professor Donald Burrows' Research

In commemoration of Handel's 250th anniversary, world renowned Handel scholar and Open University Professor Donald Burrows introduces one of the most famous composers of the eighteenth century. Devised for non-musicians and beginners, the 5 video and 5 audio tracks in this album explore the music that made Handel famous. His operas are classics of the Baroque style, his oratorios are the basis of English choral tradition, his music still played today at every monarch's coronation. This "Great Londoner" became an icon in his own lifetime. What is the secret of his success? What was one of Handel's performances like, and how powerful is his legacy?