In the 1730s Handel was prepared to try any novelty in order to remain at the centre of the musical scene in London. This is what prompted him to interpolate concertos for organ, with himself as soloist, in performances of his oratorios. Their considerable success soon led to the publication of a whole set of such concertos: it is this edition, corrected with great care by the composer himself, that Richard Egarr used for the present recording.
Richard Egarr plays a chamber organ by Robin Jennings, 2005.
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL [1685-1759] Organ Concerto in G minor op.4 no.1 · I. Larghetto, e staccato (5'02) · II. Allegro (5'01) · III. Adagio (1'13) · IV. Andante (4'13) Organ Concerto in B flat major op.4 no.2 · I. A tempo ordinario, e staccato (0'50) · II. Allegro (4'22) · III. Adagio, e staccato (0'38) · IV. Allegro, ma non presto (3'29) Organ Concerto in G minor op.4 no.3 · I. Adagio (3'24) · II. Allegro (3'41) · III. Adagio (0'56) · IV. Allegro (2'03) Organ Concerto in F major op.4 no.4 · I. Allegro (3'57) · II. Andante (4'17) · III. Adagio (1'05) · IV. Allegro (5'04) Organ Concerto in F major op.4 no.5 · I. Larghetto (1'51) · II. Allegro (2'25) · III. Alla Siciliana (1'28) · IV. Presto (2'30) Concerto in B flat major op.4 no.6 · I. Andante allegro (6'17) · II. Larghetto (4'05) · III. Allegro moderato (2'41)
