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Handel's Concerti Grossi Op. 3, the so-called 'Oboe Concerti', contain some of his most familiar music. Essentially garnered from pre-existent sacred and secular music during the 1730s, these works in their new concerted context immediately exerted their own widespread appeal, and their popularity has been lasting.
Solo keyboard adaptations of Handel's orchestral music were common during the 18th century, although few have matched the idiomatic command and interest achieved by the present text. Dating from the mid-1780s, the unnamed arranger has shown enterprise and imagination when producing these highly effective keyboard versions. Organists, harpsichordists and fortepianists will here find substantial, rewarding and attractive repertoire additions, fully attuned to late 18th-century English keyboard practice.
The rare original printing upon which this new edition is based is taken from the Samuel Butler Collection at St. John's College, Cambridge, with permission of the Master and Fellows.
“As we have come to expect from Edition HH, the printing is very clearly laid out. This exemplary edition by Gerald Gifford contains a most informative preface on this outstanding music and its background, and with information for the performer it is essential reading prior to actually playing the music; the singularly comprehensive textual notes covering editorial method and the source used, and a full critical commentary will also assist the performer in questions of readings in many difficult passages.”
The Organ
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Descriptive leaflet (pdf)