The second volume of Handel's keyboard music, containing the works HWV 434-442, originated from a period of problematic 18th-century music publishing.
Composition History
The 'Second Volume' of Handel's keyboard suites, published around 1730, was assembled by John Walsh, a publisher who had previously issued Handel's music, and had nothing to do with Handel himself.
Composition History
Handel was prompted to publish his own keyboard works in 1720 after an unauthorized and 'incorrect' edition appeared from the Amsterdam printer Jeanne Roger.
Composition History
The suite in G (HWV 441) from the 'Second Volume' is of dubious authorship, with no autograph scores by Handel, and some movements possibly by William Babell, suggesting it might be a pasticcio created by publisher John Walsh.
Historical Context
In June 1720, Handel obtained a Royal Privilege, granting him monopoly rights over the publication of his works.
Composer Biography
Most of the pieces in the 'Second Volume' predate 1706, representing Handel's youthful compositions that received no further attention from the mature composer.
Critical Reception
The 'Second Volume' of Handel's keyboard suites was described by Handel scholar Terence Best as 'a scrappy production' due to its un-numbered, untitled suites and error-strewn content.
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