The Early Music Show BBC Radio 3

Lucie Skeaping looks at the life and music of German organist and composer Matthias Weckmann, who died 350 years ago this month.

Mark Seow looks at 18thC Europe's fascination with the Orient, including music by Purcell and Couperin, and he explores the lives of certain musicians living in 18thC Beijing.
Plus an edition of The Early Music News.

From her home in North London, Hannah French presents a selection of medieval carols, plus Renaissance & Baroque music for Christmas Eve, including festive pieces by Corelli, Vivaldi, Charpentier, Manfredini, Byrd, Manchicourt & Handel.
Join Hannah in the French kitchen as she also tucks in to some Yuletide treats fit for a cosy Christmas Eve.

Alessandro Stradella's star burned brightly but briefly. His music was glorious; his lifestyle was dissolute: embezzlement, sexual imprudence and political intrigue - Stradella fell foul of his misdemeanours in 1682 when he was murdered by a hitman at the age of just 38.
Hannah French is joined in the studio by the University of Birmingham's Professor Andrew Kirkman, who conducted a recent performance of Stradella's opera "La forza dell'amor paterno" with Barber Opera. Together they'll explore Stradella's colourful life and wonderful music, including extracts from the Birmingham performance, alongside recordings of Stradella's other operas, oratorios and orchestral works.
Programme also includes your weekly bulletin of Early Music News, with Mark Seow.

Lucie Skeaping delves into the life and music of the extraordinary 18th-century German viol player and composer Carl Friedrich Abel, who was born 300 years ago this year.
Plus, your weekly edition of Early Music News from Mark Seow.

The National Trust's Senior Curator John Chu takes Hannah French around two stunning properties in Derbyshire: Hardwick Hall & Kedleston Hall to explore the musical links in the buildings, furnishings and art works.
Plus, your weekly edition of Early Music News from Mark Seow.