The success of Handel's 1720 harpsichord suites was so great that they were republished numerous times throughout the 18th century.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album explores Handel's harpsichord music from approximately 1700-1740, without strict chronology, and includes works by composers who influenced his style.
Performer Biography
This album marks Philippe Grisvard's debut as a solo recording artist, following his participation in over 40 other recordings.
Composer Biography
Handel's first and only teacher was Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, organist at the Marienkirche in Halle, who taught him composition, organ, and harpsichord.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording is a 2-manual German harpsichord, built by Detmar Hungerberg in 2013, modeled after an undated instrument by Michael Mietke.
Composition History
Handel's famous Eight Great Suites, published in 1720, were released as a counterattack to a pirated volume of his compositions by editor John Walsh.
Notable Performances
Handel once engaged in a musical duel with Domenico Scarlatti in Rome, where Scarlatti was deemed the winner on harpsichord, but recognized Handel's superiority on the organ.
