Handel was one of the first composers to move beyond the traditional four-movement structure (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) for keyboard suites.
Composer Biography
George Frideric Handel's keyboard music has been overshadowed by his operas, oratorios, and orchestral works, despite its considerable quantity.
Performer Biography
Gilbert Rowland, the harpsichordist on this recording, made his debut at Fenton House in 1970 while still a student at the Royal College of Music.
Composition History
Handel published two collections of harpsichord suites during his lifetime: the 'Eight Great Suites' in 1720 and 'The Second Collection' of six suites in 1733.
Performer Biography
Gilbert Rowland is known for his extensive recordings, including a 13-CD set of Soler sonatas with Naxos, completed in 2006.
Composition History
About ten of Handel's suites, including some from the 1733 publication, were likely composed before he left Germany for Italy in 1707.
Compositional Technique
Handel incorporated various movement types, such as preludes, fugues, chaconnes, and variations, into his suites, with one suite (HWV 427) containing no dance movements at all.
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