Search - George Frederick Handel, Keith Jarrett :: Handel: Suites for Keyboard

HOMAGE TO HANDEL

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 07/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jarrett's recording of seven attractive Handel suites is, well, just delicious. His pianism, always at the service of the composer, is consistently lyrical, never rushed or hectic, with textures warm and rich. Each suite holds its own bounty, all of which Jarrett mines to the fullest. The pianist's jazz background complements the music, imbues it with a depth and humanity rarely found, especially in baroque keyboard. As well, it's more than apparent that Jarrett has made a conscious effort to get completely "inside" the composer, completely "inside" the music. He has succeeded incredibly well.Sample, for instance, his swirling, beautifully wrought playing of the opening Prelude from Suite 1, No. 1 (HWV 426), the purity of the following Allemande, and the yearning wistfulness of the Courante. Or feel the breathtaking melancholy of the opening Adagio of Suite 1, No. 2 (HWV 427). And the particular beauty Jarrett imparts to the Prelude-Fuga of Suite 1, No. 8 (HWV 433) is absolutely not to be missed. This is playing of such tenderness and honesty that it silences criticism, pays homage to Handel and offers us the most unusual kind of musical blessing. [Running time: 74:31]"

Finally, Handel Perfectly Played on Piano

Timothy Dougal | Madison, Wi United States | 12/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a terrific disc, well-filled(74 minutes), well recorded and wonderfully played. I am particularly grateful that Mr. Jarrett chose to use his piano, rather than the harpsichord he has been accustomed to use on his other baroque recordings. It is much more expressive. Only the piano could really bring out the warm-heartedness of many of the Handel melodies recorded here, as well as the power of some of the fugues. This disc is one of a kind and certainly worth keeping!"

Lost, but now is found!

Suzanne | Gurley, AL United States | 09/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Last week I took on the monumental task of sorting my CDs. The case for Keith Jarret's take on Handel's Piano Suites was empty! "It'll show up sooner or later", I told myself, but secretly I panicked, for every few weeks I have to have my Handel/Jarrett fix. I was stunned the first time I heard Jarrett's great jazz concert from Koln decades ago and thought that Jarrett was surely a mystic at heart since his solo improvisions are like very personal meditations transposed directly to his medium. So when I heard he was coming out with this disc in 1995 I rushed to get it. How I love this collection...I was thrilled not only at a new Handel keyboard performance, but at its quality. Tender but disciplined, clear almost transparent playing, yet sharp and technically clean. When I found it today in a case with Rachel Podger's recording of Bach's Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas (also a brilliant recording by the way - she plays the baroque violin with a passion that is unique to her), I was elalted and thought that if I thought so much of this recording I should put my mouth where my money was. Jarrett/Handel...made for each other."