Barockstar: George Frideric Handel

Aside from the corny title of Ulrich Meyszies' documentary, Barockstar is an often enjoyable if also admittedly slight overview of the life of composer George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), detailing the social and cultural environment that shaped his inspired compositions, while also looking at how he supported himself within the 18th-century equivalent of the music industry. A number of composers and biographers offer insights into Handel's influence on opera and oratorio, while Princess Claudia Ruspoli, a descendant of one of his aristocratic patrons, coyly notes his weight gain during the time he was taking advantage of a very good life. Unfortunately, the film's hour-long running time doesn't really allow for an in-depth exploration of the subject, and Handel's music is sampled in only the briefest of snippets (the impact of Messiah, Handel's masterwork, is barely noted). Worse, Meyszies also veers into travelogue territory with endless touristy shots of the landmarks in the various cities where Handel lived (including Halle in Germany, Rome, Florence, and London). Still, as an introduction to the subject, Barockstar does open a door that may encourage the genuinely curious to explore further. DVD extras include bonus comments from Christopher Hogwood and other conductors on Handel (whose London residence is next door to the flat where Jimi Hendrix resided during the late 1960s). A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)