Many of Händel's flute sonatas were published in 'pirate' editions by Walsh, a London publisher, which were initially misattributed to Roger of Amsterdam.
Performer Biography
Enrico Baiano, the harpsichordist on this album, is considered one of the most accomplished performers in early music and was awarded the Franco Abbiati Prize in 2024.
Composition History
Händel's recorder sonatas were likely composed between 1724 and 1726 to provide material for wind virtuosos in his Royal Academy of Music orchestra and for his basso continuo lessons to Princess Anne.
Composition History
Four of Händel's recorder sonatas exist as autograph 'fair copies' on Italian paper, suggesting they might have been sketched during his 1707-1710 journey through Italy.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Händel frequently borrowed musical material across his works and genres, making the study of his flute compositions a 'veritable labyrinth'.
Composition History
The chronology of Händel's flute repertoire is complex due to his tendency to adapt music for different instruments and the existence of many unauthorized printed editions.
Composition History
The 'Roger' edition, a 'fake' published by Walsh, contained twelve sonatas, but none of the seven flute sonatas were originally written for the transverse flute.
