Chandos Anthems

Description

No noble in England and very few in Europe lead a lifestyle of such splendor, magnificence, and nobility as that of the Duke of Chandos. At Cannons, north of London, the residence of James Brydges (1674-1744) hosts Handel from 1717 to 1719: he works with the musical forces of the Prince and composes eleven anthems for soloists, choir, and orchestra, intended for the court's religious services. A true precious collection and "laboratory" for the master's future great oratorios, the Chandos Anthems blend genres with impressions of Italian cantatas, Corellian sonatas, airs, and choruses in the pure English tradition of Purcell. These too-little-known gems, brilliantly conducted by Gaétan Jarry, immediately captivate with their virtuosity, their light texture, and their colors richly painted by the genius of Handel!