Handel’s Zadok the Priest (03:13)

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The four anthems Handel composed for the coronation of King George II. Handel was an international figure, and he has never faded into obscurity.

Music for the Royal Fireworks (02:31)

Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel, George Frideric is included.

Jean-Philippe Rameau--Opera (06:03)

French king, Louis XV, commissioned an opera from Jean-Philippe Rameau. Operas always began with a grandiose overture and were as regimented as a ceremonial court ritual. Viewers hear an excerpt from Rameau’s Nais.

François Couperin (03:40)

Suites of short dances were very much to the French taste. The harpsichord was often the instrument of choice. Couperin’s Deuxième Ordre is included. He turned to the everyday of the countryside, the people, and the court for his ideas.

Telemann's Trio II (03:57)

Georg Philipp Telemann was a German Baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist. Viewers enjoy a performance of Trio III in G Major for Flute, Violin, Cello and Harpsichord.

Domenico Scarlatti's Sonata in B-Flat Major (04:10)

Music of the 18th century was written for audience entertainment. Viewers hear an excerpt from Scarlatti’s Sonata in B-Flat Major. See close-ups of the pianist's finger technique on the harpsichord.

George Frideric Handel (04:40)

Handel's musical experience took him from Halle, Germany, to Italy. Upon his return, he became director of music at the court of the Elector of Hannover who later became George I. Viewers hear an excerpt from Handel's Concerto for Organ in D Minor.

Handel's Operas (09:58)

Italian opera was in fashion, and Handel wrote many of them in the Italian style. The subjects and characters were well known. The stories were heavily romanticized and full of fantasy. Two excerpts from "Orlando" are included.

John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera (04:27)

John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, first performed in 1728. It was a huge sensation from the start. An excerpt from the opera is included.

Handel's Oratorio: The Messiah (08:42)

Oratorios could be put more cheaply than operas. The Messiah was first performed in 1742 in Dublin. Viewers hear excerpts from the oratoro sounding as they would have in Handel's day, including a male singing the soprano part.

The Messiah: Contemporary Performance (04:59)

The Messiah is played as it currently sounds. The choir and orchestra are much larger than in Handel's day.

Credits: The Advent of Fashion (01:14)

Credits: The Advent of Fashion