Handel & Haydn: Keyboard Works

Recorded and released in the ‘anniversary year’ of both Handel and Haydn, Hyperion’s Record of the Month is an effusive celebration of the two composers, performed by an artist whose renditions of 17th- and 18th-century keyboard works on the piano have received the highest possible acclaim. This recital is a welcome gesture from the ‘high priestess of Bach’ (The Sunday Times). As you will hear, Hewitt’s trademark clarity of line, singing tone and instinctive musicality are perfectly suited to the urbane elegance of the works recorded here.

In a fascinating and personal booklet note, Angela Hewitt takes the listener through her own childhood experiences of the works of Handel and Haydn that led her to select the works for this disc, and includes an interesting discussion of historical performance practice. This is an enchanting release that will delight Angela’s legion of fans.

1 Chaconne in G major HWV435 (7’28) / George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Suite No 2 in F major HWV427 (10’06) / Handel
2 Adagio (3’08)
3 Allegro (2’27)
4 Adagio (2’15)
5 Allegro: Fugue (2’16)

Suite No 8 in F minor HWV433 (12’54) / Handel
6 Prelude (2’40)
7 Allegro: Fugue (2’44)
8 Allemande (2’56)
9 Courante (2’01)
10 Gigue (2’33)
11 Andante and variations in F minor ‘Sonata, Un piccolo divertimento’ Hob XVII:6 (16’39) / Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Piano Sonata in E flat major Hob XVI:52 (20’13) / Haydn
12 Allegro moderato (7’59)
13 Adagio (6’22)
14 Finale: Presto (5’52)

“Everything emerges with an impressive combination of clarity and vitality… The programme is unique to the current catalogue, and Hewitt's favoured Fazioli instrument has been recorded with superb fidelity” (International Record Review)

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE INSTRUMENTAL CHOICE