George Frideric Handel - Concerti grossi, Op. 3 (Charles Mackerras)

Information

• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 3 No. 1, HWV 312
• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 3 No. 2, HWV 313
• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in G Major, Op. 3 No. 3, HWV 314
• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in F Major, Op. 3 No. 4, HWV 315
• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in D Minor, Op. 3 No. 5, HWV 316
• George Frideric Handel - Concerto grosso in D Major, Op. 3 No. 6, HWV 317
• Jeremiah Clarke - Suite in D Major: Prince of Denmark's March "Trumpet Voluntary" (Orch. Wood)
• Gordon Jacob - Fanfare for "God Save the Queen"
• Gordon Jacob - The National Anthem "God Save the Queen"

Prague Chamber Orchestra

Charles Mackerras, conductor

Date: 1980 / 2026

Label: Warner Classics

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Sir Charles Mackerras, though Australian by nationality, became one of the most prominent figures in Czech musical life due to his deep connection with Prague that began during his student years with Václav Talich. Over the years, he frequently collaborated with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, conducting numerous performances and producing many recordings with the ensemble. Their partnership was so significant that Mackerras was named Honorary Principal Guest Conductor in 1997. This newly remastered recording of Handel’s concerti grossi represents the first of many joint releases between Mackerras and the Prague Chamber Orchestra, highlighting the strength and longevity of their artistic collaboration.

Sir Charles Mackerras (1925–2010), born in the United States to Australian parents, was an internationally celebrated conductor known for his mastery of opera, symphonic, and Czech repertoire. After studying in Sydney and Prague, he held key posts with major institutions including the Hamburg Opera, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. A champion of Mozart and Janáček, he conducted acclaimed productions worldwide and made landmark recordings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Czech Philharmonic. Knighted in 1979, Mackerras received numerous international honors and academic distinctions, leaving an enduring legacy of musical excellence and historically informed interpretation.