This is the first volume in a series of publications of Handelian music inspired by manuscript holdings in The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and is devoted to a collection of works for harpsichord and organ by the Founder himself, Richard, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion (1745–1816). Lord Fitzwilliam championed the performance of Handel’s music in late 18th-century England, yet his own compositions – themselves often indebted to and inspired by Handel – have never before appeared in print. Surveying a broad cross-section of Fitzwilliam’s works, this edition, prepared by Gerald Gifford, Honorary Keeper of Music at the Museum, is of considerable musicological interest and marks an important addition to the keyboard repertoire of the period.
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