The nature of Alexander’s Feast is perhaps better summed up by its other title, The Power of Music. It is in fact a celebratory ode for St Cecilia’s Day, written by Dryden in 1697 for the City of London’s traditional celebration of the patron saint of music, and set in suitably celebratory style by Handel in 1736. At its first performance that year, he incorporated two delightful concertos, one for harp and the other for organ, and these are included in this recording.
“A remarkable recording is welcomed to the catalogue.”
