COMPOSERS: Handel
LABELS: Virgin Veritas
WORKS: Organ Concertos, Op. 4
PERFORMER: Bob van Asperen (organ); Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
CATALOGUE NO: VC 5 45174 2 DDD
Handel’s successful blend of new composition and arrangements of existing pieces in his Op. 4 organ concertos is winningly conveyed by this excellent recording. Van Asperen’s stylish playing and appropriate registration, aided by sensitive orchestral support, emphasise this music’s startling diversity. No. 1’s improvisatory organ solos; the expressive contrast between violin and cello concertino and organ in No. 3, and the enchanting atmosphere of the more delicately scored No. 6 are notable highlights. Nicholas Rast
Handel: Organ Concertos, Op. 4
Handel’s successful blend of new composition and arrangements of existing pieces in his Op. 4 organ concertos is winningly conveyed by this excellent recording. Van Asperen’s stylish playing and appropriate registration, aided by sensitive orchestral support, emphasise this music’s startling diversity. No. 1’s improvisatory organ solos; the expressive contrast between violin and cello concertino and organ in No. 3, and the enchanting atmosphere of the more delicately scored No. 6 are notable highlights. Nicholas Rast
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm