Jean-Philippe Rameau, a brilliant harpsichordist and organist, would often improvise astonishing pieces on the organ, as attested by his patron's friend Jean-François Marmontel and a wedding celebration in 1733.
Compositional Technique
Many of Handel's organ concertos were summarily noted or incomplete, requiring performers to improvise or rewrite parts, sometimes even entire movements, indicated by 'ad libitum' markings.
Composition History
Rameau's 'Pièces de clavecin en concerts' is his only work for chamber music, published in 1741 when he was 58 and already successful in opera.
Composition History
George Frideric Handel created the organ concerto to entertain his London audience during performances of his oratorios, likely starting in 1735 with a revival of his oratorio Esther.
Composer Biography
Handel, a virtuoso organist and improviser, often played the organ part in his concertos, showcasing his powerful and energetic playing style.
Instruments
The Dom Bedos organ of Ste-Croix de Bordeaux, used for this recording, is one of the rare 18th-century French instruments with a 32-foot manual organ stop, giving its grand plein-jeu incredible depth.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rameau's music represents the 'French style,' distinguishing itself from the influence of Italian masters like Arcangelo Corelli, and features a blend of instruments rather than a solo-orchestra alternation.
