Focusing on Handel's last 22 operas, this comprehensive overview highlights significant masterpieces like Orlando, Ariodante, and Alcina, alongside lighter works such as Partenope, Serse, and Imeneo. Authored by a leading authority on Handel, it offers in-depth insights into the compositions, their historical context, and their impact on the operatic landscape.
The memoir offers a vivid portrayal of Winton Dean's early life, highlighting his complex family background. He delves into the controversial legacy of his father, Basil Dean, a prominent theatrical and film producer, and shares intriguing insights about his great uncle Rufus Isaacs and Daisy, Countess of Warwick, who had a notable affair with Edward, Prince of Wales. Dean's reflections provide a unique glimpse into the intertwined worlds of music, theatre, and aristocracy during a transformative period in history.