Handel's Dixit Dominus in Building a Library with Mark Lowther & Andrew McGregor

Available for 25 days

Andrew McGregor with the week's best new classical releases. 2.10pm Andrew is joined by guest reviewer mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately, who picks four new releases that have caught her ear. 3pm Building a Library: Mark Lowther surveys some of the many recordings of Handel's Dixit Dominus HWV.232, and makes a personal top recommendation. Completed in Rome in April 1707, during Handel's 3-year stay there in his early twenties, Dixit Dominus is scored for five solo voices, a five-part chorus, and a string orchestra, also in five parts. It reflects the vitality, vivid colours, landscape, art, music and architecture which captivated Handel during his time in Italy. Top choice: Elin Manahan Thomas & Grace Davidson (sopranos) Ruth Massey (alto) Jeremy Budd & Mark Dobell (tenors) Eamonn Dougan & Rob Macdonald (basses) The Sixteen Harry Christophers (conductor) Coro COR16076 3.50pm Record of the Week: Andrew picks a new release that has most impressed him this week.