Printed in 1720, the 8 ‘Great’ Suites were the first set of keyboard pieces that Handel chose to present to the London public. As performed here by Richard Egarr, this magnificent collection demonstrates Handel’s unique ‘orchestral’ keyboard style and grand sweep, combining Italian virtuosity and the French ‘style brisé’.
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL [1685-1759] Suite No.1 in A Major, HWV 426 · I. Prélude (2'10) · II. Allemande (4'07) · III. Courante I (2'43) · IV. Gigue (3'31) Suite No.2 in F Major, HWV 427 · I. Adagio (3'00) · II. Allegro (2'50) · III. Adagio (1'21) · IV. Allegro (2'25) Suite No.3 in D Minor, HWV 428 · I. Prélude: Presto (0'48) · II. Allegro (2'38) · III. Allemande (4'54) · IV. Courante (1'55) · V. Air; Doubles 1-5 (8'48) · VI. Presto (4'29) Suite No.4 in E Minor, HWV 429 · I. Allegro (3'44) · II. Allemande (2'59) · III. Courante (2'12) · IV. Sarabande (3'17) · V. Gigue (2'05)
Suite No.5 in E Major, HWV 430 · I. Prélude (2'12) · II. Allemande (5'31) · III. Courante (1'56) · IV. Air; Doubles 1-5 (4'24) Suite No.6 in F-sharp Minor, HWV 431 · I. Prélude (1'42) · II. Largo (1'56) · III. Allegro (2'55) · IV. Gigue: Presto (3'04) Suite No.7 in G Minor, HWV 432 · I. Ouverture: Largo; Presto; Lentement (4'55) · II. Andante (3'24) · III. Allegro (2'30) · IV. Sarabande (2'33) · V. Gigue (1'34) · VI. Passacaille (4'33) Suite No.8 in F Minor, HWV 433 · I. Prélude: Adagio (2'14) · II. Allegro (2'50) · III. Allemande (4'52) · IV. Courante (2'08) · V. Gigue (2'29)
