In 1742, an eccentric character called Mr Charles travelled to Dublin and attempted to make a fortune through putting on performances of Handel’s music while the composer himself was in the city. This performance reconstructs a hugely entertaining concert given in Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre in May that year. As well as well-loved music by Handel, it includes unusual and charming music by his contemporaries and a duet for horn by Mr Charles himself, which we believe he performed with his wife, on their travels as a family.

Programme

Handel – Overture from ‘Il Pastor Fido’
Hasse – Concerto in F Major
‘Signora Barbarian’s Minuet’ from Concerto Op. 4 No. 1
Handel – Va Tacito from ‘Giulio Cesare’ (Walsh Arrangement)
Mr. Charles – Chasse from Suite No. 1
Handel – Concerto Grosso in G major Op 3, No. 3
Telemann – Napolitana
Bocchi – Sonata X
Handel – Water Music
Lully – Marche pour la Cérémonie des Turcs from ‘Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme’

Performers

Irish Baroque Orchestra
Peter Whelan conductor