The Giants of the Baroque in London

The Danish baroque specialists Concerto Copenhagen presents a programme centered around Händel and Roman. When the young Swedish violinist and composer Johan Helmich Roman embarked on a study trip to London in 1716, it would prove to be a journey that was decisive, not only for Roman’s life but for the entire history of Swedish music.

Roman came from the German-dominated music scene in Stockholm to London where the dominant musical trend was the Italian style, embodied in the recently arrived Georg Friedrich Händel. Roman was an active part of London’s musical life. He played in Händel’s orchestra at the King’s Theatre and met other musicians and composers, many of them from Italy. So, when Roman returned to Stockholm in 1721, he did so as a well-educated, modern-oriented musician and a brilliant violinist. Most importantly, as a composer, he had acquired a thorough understanding of new stylistic trends, not only in opera but also in instrumental music. 

Roman remained associated with the Swedish court orchestra throughout his life, and his stay in London not only affected ”the father of Swedish music,” as Roman is known today, but also changed the history of Swedish music.This program presents the music that ”the Swedish Händel,” Johan Helmich Roman, encountered in London, as well as the music he composed himself.