Two delightful works by Haydn surround vocal pyrotechnics from Baroque masters.

The story of the knight Orlando, who went insane from love during the age of Charlemagne, was a popular subject for composers, providing Haydn with his most successful opera, Orlando paladino. The sprightly overture introduces this parody of heroism which also has elements of pathos and sincere emotion. Handel’s opera Orlando treats the subject with more gravity, and contains one of the most extraordinary scenes in all of Baroque opera, a mad scene for the title character. Like the Orlando selections, Bach’s Cantata No. 51 is a virtuosic vocal vehicle, as well as giving the trumpeter a serious workout. A favorite operatic stunt in the day was to set up a contest between the singer and trumpeter to see who could hit the higher notes and hold them longer.

British-born Steven Isserlis is one of the most engaging and musically eloquent cellists in the world. His recording of Haydn’s cello concertos received raves from The Guardian, whose writer defied “anyone not to smile at [his] effervescent readings.” Conducting this program is the king of effervescence himself, Baroque specialist Nicholas McGegan.

Enjoy an evening of ingratiating works by some of the greatest musical masterminds of the Baroque and Classical eras!