George Frederic Handel, a budding 22-year-old operatic composer from Halle (central Germany) arrived in Rome in 1707, however all opera performances were forbidden by Pope Clement XI... The result was a fantastic collection of cantatas and oratorios, of which Dixit Dominus is the most often performed. An excellent showpiece for all the singers and orchestral musicians, it features highly virtuosic displays, and vivid choral word painting which clearly demonstrate why it is regarded as one of Handel’s finest works.

 

Monteverdi’s Altri canti d'amor and Hor che’l ciel e la terra are the opening two madrigals in his 8th book (Madrigali guerrieri e amorosi...) , setting two sonnets (one anonymous, the other by Petrarch). They brilliantly demonstrate Monteverdi continuing his experiments with musical emotions aiming to surprise and move listeners in new theatrical ways.