VIDEO PODCAST: Women Composers - Our special hour-long illustrated feature on women composers includes contributions from Diana Ambache, Gail Wein, Hilary Tann, Natalie Artemas-Polak and Victoria Bond.
VIDEO PODCAST: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Youth Involvement in Classical Music - this specially extended illustrated feature includes contributions from Christopher Morley, Gerald Fenech, Halida Dinova, Patricia Spencer and Roderic Dunnett.
Born in Florence on 28 November 1632 but a nationalised Frenchman by 1661, Jean-Baptiste Lully climbed the ladder of success until 1662 when he attained title as 'music master to the Royal Family'. He turned to opera, which he developed and made popular. His own total of 20 operas is proof enough. He died in Paris on 22 March 1687.
CD Spotlight. Jupiter's Thunderbolt - Lully's Phaéton, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... brimful of the most varied enchantments.'
DVD Spotlight. A Disparate Experiment - 'Aria - Special Edition', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'You never know what you're gonna get.'
CD Spotlight. Sheer Delight - Table music by Biber, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a superb and sensitive performance ...'
Making a Real Fuss - Robert Hugill looks forward to English Touring Opera's HandelFest this autumn
CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'
CD Spotlight. Respect and Understanding - A CD celebrating 300 years of Charpentier, reviewed by Peter Howell. 'The performance is excellent throughout.'
Second sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - The Sun King - Lully's musical homage