Gramophone Magazine
May 2022
Editor's Choice

Francesco Corti (harpsichord)

Handel: Rodelinda, HWV 19, Ouverture: [Largo] - Presto - Adagio (Arr. for Harpsichord)
Handel: Rodelinda, HWV 19, Ouverture: Menuet (Arr. for Harpsichord)
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 426 in A major
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 427 in F major
Handel: Il Pastor Fido - Overture
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 428 in D minor
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 429 in E minor
Babell: First Set in F Major: Prelude (Presto)
Handel: Rinaldo, HWV 7, Ouverture: Vivace - Allegro - Adagio (Arr. for Harpsichord by William Babell)
Handel: Rinaldo, HWV 7, Ouverture: Giga (Presto) (Arr. for Harpsichord by William Babell)
Handel: Rinaldo, HWV 7, Ouverture: Lascia ch’io pianga” (Adagio) (Arr. for Harpsichord by William Babell)
Handel: Teseo, HWV 9, Ouverture: [Largo] - Allegro - Lentement (Arr. for Harpsichord)
Handel: Teseo, HWV 9, Ouverture: Allegro (Arr. for Harpsichord)
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 430 in E major 'The Harmonious Blacksmith'
Handel: Radamisto Overture
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 431 in F sharp minor
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 432 in G minor
Handel: Keyboard Suite, HWV 433 in F minor


After the album JS Bach - Little Books, harpsichordist Francesco Corti continues his collaboration with Arcana with a 2-CD recording entirely dedicated to George Frideric Handel. At the centre of the project are the eight “Great” Suites. These masterpieces were the composer’s first published set, and are a clear testimony to his virtuosity at the keyboard. Their characteristically diversified styles reflect not only the mélange of national traditions assimilated by the young composer, but also his phenomenal improvisatory talent. Moreover, the attraction of these pieces lies in their melodic and rhythmic affinity to the world of singing and orchestral writing, Handel’s strongest interests.

Arrangements of Handel’s operatic overtures and arias started circulating early in his career in England, and in his later years he was known to perform his overtures on the keyboard himself. Corti designs a programme showcasing the composer’s brilliant treatment of the instrument, choosing to complement the “Great” Suites with a selection of transcriptions from Händel’s own hand and from his close musical circle.