Handel's L'Allegro, Il Penseroso February 28, 2009

Handel's musical ode based on the poetry of John Milton explores and contrasts two extremes of the human condition . . . the active and merry ('L'Allegro') and the contemplative and melancholy ('il Penseroso'). 'L'Allegro' is filled with musical charm, showing Handel at his best as he delights in creating musical depictions of the English countryside.