Fitzwilliam Handeliana, Vol. 2
Compositions for Harpsichord and Organ
Gerald Gifford
The second volume of the Fitzwilliam Handeliana series is largely made up of hitherto unfamiliar - and in some cases previously unidentified - 18th-century keyboard arrangements of Handel's music contained in the manuscript collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. It includes a fine keyboard arrangement of Handel's Alexander's Feast concerto grosso, and also an edition of the Fitzwilliam Museum's autograph manuscript source of Handel's Sonata in C for clock-organ. In addition to various arrangements of Handel's music from Floridante, Tamerlano, Samson and Saul, this issue also features Handelian tributes in the form of two unascribed Sarabandes, and music by Roman, one of Handel's most devoted followers. Fitzwilliam Handeliana 2 notably also includes high-resolution facsimiles of some of the source materials used.
Gerald Gifford has provided a most interesting selection of pieces, several of which show 'work-in-progress' from a particular time; comparison with the published editions (where available) will be worthwhile. The thorough introduction documents the provenance of the MSS consulted and used for this edition and discusses the compositional process. Three facsimiles are provided. The comprehensive textual notes amplify many points from the introduction and should most certainly be read before playing. This volume includes plenty of material that, individual titles notwithstanding, works just as successfully on the organ as on the harpsichord...
Journal of the British Institute of Organ Studies Read the review
The collection also provides a well-chosen grouping of pieces that are enjoyable in their own right. The printing is perfectly clear and the volume has been excellently laid out for use at the keyboard. The editing, as one would expect of this eminent scholar, is always illuminating without ever being intrusive, and the textual notes give a full account of the editorial method and the provenance and detail of the scores. Gerald Gifford's informative introduction is, as ever, an invaluable asset to this volume, which should form a key element of the performer's and scholar's library.
The Consort | Read the review
Descriptive leaflet (pdf)
