George Frideric Handel's solo keyboard music has been overshadowed by his operas, oratorios, and orchestral works, despite a considerably large output of keyboard music.
Compositional Technique
The final movement of the Suite in B flat major, HWV434, is a set of five variations on an Air made famous by Brahms in his Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel for solo piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Handel was one of the first composers to move beyond the traditional formal constraints of the keyboard suite, incorporating preludes, fugues, chaconnes, and variations instead of only dance movements.
Instruments
This recording features a two-manual French harpsichord made by Andrew Wooderson in 2005, modeled after a Goermans instrument from Paris, 1750.
Composition History
Handel published two collections of keyboard suites during his lifetime: the 'Eight Great Suites' in 1720 and 'The Second Collection' (six more suites) in 1733.
Compositional Technique
The Suite in F major, HWV427, contains a complex four-part Fugue that was so admired by Mozart that he arranged it for string quartet.
Compositional Technique
One of Handel's suites, HWV 427 in F major, contains no dance movements at all, showcasing his innovative approach to the keyboard suite form.
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Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 1
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Couperin, L.: Harpsichord Suites / Tombeau De M. De Blancocher
