Search - Jory Vinikour :: Handel: Harpsichord Suites (1720)

Great Handel, beautifully played and recorded

Stephen Midgley | Tarbrax, West Calder, UK | 06/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jory Vinikour here delivers truly outstanding performances of Handel's eight great keyboard suites of 1720. The energy, impetus and flow of his playing give the listener the feeling that we are being offered a real insight into the mind of the composer, while Vinikour's flawless virtuosity and decorative technique convey a sense of spontaneity which is a true delight in this music. To take just a few examples, listen to the brilliance of the closing fugal allegro of suite no. 2 in F, the quasi-orchestral panache of the Ouverture to the G minor suite, or the more than usually lyrical treatment of the so-called "Harmonious Blacksmith" theme and variations at the end of the fifth suite.



There are several good recordings of these works available, including a fine one by Paul Nicholson on the Hyperion label, but Vinikour's present set offers two outstanding additional assets. The first is the inclusion of a stunning performance of Handel's magnificent G major Chaconne HWV 435, in itself a superb expression of the wide emotional range that is so characteristic of Handel's instrumental writing. The second bonus is the exceptionally rich and mellow sound of Vinikour's chosen instrument, a modern copy of a 1739 harpsichord by Johann Heinrich Gräbner of Dresden, which moreover has been beautifully captured in this fine recording. To round off the merits of the set we have the player's own very informative booklet essay, together with detailed information about the instrument from the builder John Phillips. On this evidence, Jory Vinikour is one of the finest keyboard players of today; and, in short, anyone looking for a recording of these Handelian masterpieces can't go wrong with this set.

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Fabulous performances!

Joie | New York, NY | 06/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have greatly enjoyed this 2-CD set, and listen to it frequently - it's one of my favorite harpsichord recordings. Mr. Vinikour's playing has everything - solidity, cohesiveness, devil-may-care brilliance, expressiveness, and a sure sense of appropriate affect. He is a master of his instrument, and understands what is required to make the music and instrument come alive as intended. Every phrase and every movement of these suites is beautifully shaped.



In addition to the artistic excellence of the performances, his program notes are intelligently written, yet highly readable by anyone possessed of a modicum of musical knowledge."