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Episode details

Radio 3,12 Jul 2026,59 mins

Senesino - Handel's castrato

The Early Music Show

Available for 29 days

Hannah French traces the life of the Italian castrato Francesco Bernardi (otherwise known as Senesino), for whom Handel wrote many operatic roles during his time working in London. Senesino was the superstar singer of his era. He was in demand all over Europe from a young age, but it was his association with Handel that catapulted him to stardom in England. Over a period of around ten years, Handel wrote thirteen roles for him, including the leading roles in his operas Giulio Cesare and Orlando. Producer: Ben Collingwood.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Giulio Cesare (Al Lampo dell'armi)
    Giulio Cesare (Al Lampo dell'armi)
    George Frideric Handel
  3. 2.
    Super flumina Babylonis
    Super flumina Babylonis
    Agostino Agazzari
  4. 3.
    Ascanio (Non può quest'alma in sen)
    Ascanio (Non può quest'alma in sen)
    Antonio Lotti