George Frideric Handel: Volume 4, 1742-1750 Collected Documents

The life and career of George Frideric Handel, one of the most frequently performed composers from the Baroque period, are copiously and intricately documented through a huge variety of contemporary sources. This multi-volume major publication is the most up-to-date and comprehensive collection of these documents. Presented chronologically in their original languages with English translations and with commentaries incorporating the results of recent research, the documents provide an essential and accessible resource for anyone interested in Handel and his music. In charting Handel's activities and the performance and reception of his music during his lifetime, the documents also offer valuable insights into broader eighteenth-century topics such as court life, theatrical history, public concerts and music publishing. Volume Four begins with the re-establishment of Handel's career in London following his return from Dublin in 1742, and covers the period to 1750 which saw the composition of a succession of his greatest English works for his oratorio seasons, including Samson, Semele, Belshazzar, Juda Maccabaeus and Solomon.

Introduction; The documents: 1742–50; 1742–3; 1743–4; 1744–5; 1745–6; 1746–7; 1747–8; 1748–9; 1749–50; Libraries and archives; Bibliography; Index of Handel's works; Index of persons; General index.

Donald Burrows is Professor of Music at The Open University, Milton Keynes, a Vice-President of the Händelgesellschaft, Chairman of the Handel Institute, General Editor of the Novello Handel Edition series and a member of the Editorial Board of the Hallische Händel-Ausgabe.
Helen Green is Lecturer in Music at The Open University, Milton Keynes.
John Greenacombe is Visiting Research Associate at The Open University, Milton Keynes, and a Trustee of the Handel Institute.
Anthony Hicks was a computer systems analyst and an influential researcher, critic and author on musical topics, particularly relating to Handel's career and music. He died in 2010.