Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's masterful organ concertos with this exquisite collection, "Handel: 5 Organ Concertos, HWV 290, 295, 308, 309, 310." Released in 1984 under the prestigious Archiv Produktion label, this album is a testament to Handel's enduring genius and his profound influence on classical music.
Spanning a rich hour and six minutes, the album features five of Handel's most celebrated organ concertos, each a jewel in its own right. The concertos, performed with meticulous artistry, showcase Handel's unparalleled ability to blend technical virtuosity with deep emotional resonance. From the lively staccato passages to the serene adagios, every movement is a testament to Handel's compositional brilliance.
The album opens with the Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, HWV 290, a piece that immediately captivates with its lively tempo and intricate staccato. It continues with the Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7 No. 4, HWV 309, where Handel's mastery of contrast is evident in the interplay between the adagio and allegro movements. The Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 7 No. 5, HWV 310, adds a touch of elegance with its menuet and gavotte, while the Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3, HWV 308, showcases Handel's dynamic range with its spirited allegro and adagio-fuga.
The album concludes with the Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295, affectionately known as the "Cuckoo and the Nightingale," a piece that delights with its playful allegro and soothing larghetto. Each concerto is a journey through Handel's musical landscape, offering a glimpse into the Baroque era's rich harmonic language and expressive depth.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Handel's works, this album is a treasure trove of musical excellence. The performances are rendered with precision and passion, bringing Handel's compositions to life in a way that is both authentic and engaging. Dive into this collection and experience the timeless beauty of Handel's organ concertos, a legacy that continues to inspire and enchant.
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, HWV 290: I. A tempo ordinario e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, HWV 290: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, HWV 290: III. Adagio e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 2, HWV 290: IV. Allegro, ma non prestoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7 No. 4, HWV 309: I. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, Anthony Pleeth, Richard Webb, Alastair Mitchell, Felix Warnock, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7 No. 4, HWV 309: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, Anthony Pleeth, Richard Webb, Alastair Mitchell, Felix Warnock, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7 No. 4, HWV 309: III. Organo ad libitum. Fuga. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston
Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7 No. 4, HWV 309: IV. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, Anthony Pleeth, Richard Webb, Alastair Mitchell, Felix Warnock, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 7 No. 5, HWV 310: I. Allegro ma non troppo e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 7 No. 5, HWV 310: III. Andante larghetto e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 7 No. 5, HWV 310: III. MenuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 7 No. 5, HWV 310: IV. GavotteGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3, HWV 308: I. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3, HWV 308: II. Organo ad libitum. Adagio – FugaGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3, HWV 308: III. SpiritosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3, HWV 308: IV. MenuetGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": I. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": III. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": IV. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Simon Preston, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
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