Three contrasted seasonal vocal works written by, or attributed to, J.S. Bach. The programme also features Telemann’s fine Concerto in B flat.

This programme ranges from Corelli’s famous ‘La Folia’ variations, his op.5, no.12 of 1700, to Thomas Linley junior’s virtuosic A major sonata, written while he was studying in Florence with Pietro Nardini in the late 1760s. It also includes Pietro Locatelli’s op.6 no.6 sonata, Francesco Veracini’s op.2 no.12, and Tartini’s ‘Devil’s Trill’ sonata. There is also harpsichord music by the Scarlattis, variations on ‘La Folia’ by Alessandro and sonatas by Domenico.

Alexander’s Feast, or The Power of Music, Handel’s fourth English oratorio, was written in 1736 and based on John Dryden’s Ode on St Cecilia’s Day. Handel responded to the varied moods and situations with some of his finest and most colourful music. This rare performance of the original 1736 version uses vocal and instrumental forces similar in size to Handel’s and follows his practice of introducing concertos at strategic points during the oratorio.