Handel in Rome

In July 1707, three works by Handel were performed in the Church of Santa Maria in Montesanto in Rome: Nisi Dominus and Dixit Dominus on 16 July, and Salve Regina on 19 July. The influential Colonna family sponsored the concerts. These three works are among Handel’s outstanding sacred music output while in Italy, years that proved particularly productive. In fact, Handel would return to works written while in Italy in the years to come, adapting them in any number of ways. Material from the Dixit Dominus psalm-setting, for example, appears in no fewer than ten works composed later.

Tonight’s program was was recorded live in concert October 10, 2022 in the Mattias Church in Budapest, as part of the Anno Sacri Music Festival. Václav Luks leads the Hungarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra of Budapest and vocal soloists.

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