HANDEL 'ALEXANDER'S FEAST' (1742 Dublin Version)
Dramatic, evocative and heroic, Handel's 'Alexander's Feast' is a masterful blend of dramatic storytelling and vivid musical imagery.
Originally composed by Handel in London in 1736, the work is a musical ode based on John Dryden's poem of the same name, recounting an episode from the life of Alexander the Great.
Set during a grand feast in the city of Persepolis, Alexander and his lover, Thais, are entertained by the bard Timotheus. Through his music, Timotheus evokes a range of emotions in Alexander, from joy and love to sorrow and anger. Ultimately, the bard's stirring melodies inspire Alexander to burn the Persian capital as an act of vengeance for Greece.
While Alexander's Feast itself was not premiered in Dublin, it was performed there during Handel's visit to the city—the same year he debuted his iconic 'Messiah'. The performance was met with great acclaim, reflecting the city's growing appreciation for Handel's works. This further cemented Handel's connection to Dublin, a city that embraced his music and sent him back to London in better health and fortune.
Join the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Peter Whelan and outstanding soloists to hear a reconstruction of the 1742 Dublin version, from a new edition prepared for the IBO.
Approximate running time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Please note that refunds are not possible within 7 days of the event