Gilbert Rowland - Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Volume 3 (2015)

Handel’s solo keyboard music has for too long been overshadowed by his operas, oratorios, and orchestral music. This comparative neglect seems unjust in view of the considerably large quantity of keyboard music which exists amongst his massive output. This third double CD set completes Gilbert Rowland’s survey of these groundbreaking works which began to free the form from the formal constraints of “Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue”. Gilbert Rowland first studied the harpsichord with Millicent Silver. Whilst still a student at the Royal College of Music, he made his debut at Fenton House 1970 and first appeared at the Wigmore Hall in 1973. Recitals, appearances at major festivals in several countries, together with regular broadcasts, have helped to establish his reputation as one of Britain's leading harpsichordists. Reviewing volume 1, John Collins of The Consort said “The standard of playing is very high indeed, with some crisp articulation, appropriately added ornamentation in the repeats ... this is a most enjoyable recording.”