A Merry Noise Handel's 'Atalanta' - heard by ROBERT ANDERSON '... acclamation from the jubilant Philharmonia Chorale ...'

This pastoral opera was written in 1736 to celebrate the marriage of Frederick Prince of Wales to Augusta of Saxe-Coburg. The royal family considered him a 'nauseous beast', and maybe it was as well he died before his father, George II. The scenery was suitably festive: an avenue led 'to the Temple of Hymen, adorn'd with Figures of several Heathen Deities. Next was a Triumphal Arch on the top of which were the Arms of their Royal Highnesses.'

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL