Resources

• Handel Opera Synopses

  There are lots of resources at the website of Handel & Hendrix in London, the museum formerly known as the Handel House, but this is likely to be the most useful to singers: a chronological listing of his operas, with a synopsis of each, together with lists of roles, details of first performances and other information regarding sources, patronage, composition history etc.

  handelhendrix.org/learn/about-handel/opera-synopses

• Hyperion

  Hyperion is one of the most enterprising of independent classical music record labels, and has always dedicated a generous portion of its catalogue to vocal music, including complete editions of several composers' songs. Famously, they were the first label to record every song by Franz Schubert, on 37 discs recorded over a period of 18 years. The label has always prided itself on producing liner notes for their recordings which are an education in themselves, and the song discs include full texts, translations and expert commentary, sometimes with copious illustrations. We should be grateful, therefore, that virtually all of these notes are available on the Hyperion website as free-to-download PDFs. Graham Johnson's booklet notes for the Hyperion Schubert Edition have set near-legendary standards of comprehensiveness, insight and elegance, matched only by the same writer's notes on the Schumann, Brahms and Fauré editions. All of these, and more, are available at the click of a mouse. Magic.

  www.hyperion-records.co.uk

• Listening Guides to the Works of Johannes Brahms

  A work-in-progress, and clearly a labour of love, this site is an excellent starting point for an exploration of Brahms's songs, and his music more generally. As well as analytical listening guides, and brief introductions placing each work in the context of Brahms's development, it also presents texts and translations.

  www.kellydeanhansen.com