Once again, Richard Egarr and the Academy of Ancient Music have captured the spirit of celebration with their February 2008 release of Handel’s Organ Concertos Op.4 on the Harmonia Mundi label. These six concertos originate from Handel’s attempt, in the 1730s, to capture the attention and imagination of the people of London, England. These works encompass countless moods and emotions which are precisely analyzed and re-interpreted by Egarr and the orchestra formed of period-instruments. The forte of this recording is the driving rhythmic pulse, a highlight of Handel’s compositional style, which is captured by the soloist’s nimble and improvisatory style yet complimented by his technically solid interpretation.
The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), since its foundation by Christopher Hogwood in 1973, continues to perform and record ‘old’ music – defined initially as music composed during the 16th and 17th century – with great success. Each new recording exceeds all expectations and delivers a wonderful study of the featured composer. Richard Egarr has become one of the most versatile and prolific keyboardists of his generation. He was recently (2006) appointed as the new conductor of the AAM.
This album release coincides with Mr. Egarr’s concert tour of Europe and the U.S in 2008.
Click here to listen to a sample from this album.
Handel: Organ Concertos Op. 4
Richard Egarr / The Academy of Ancient Music
"Egarr gives wonderful, insightful, technically solid performances, tending to Handelian authenticity with his free, fancy, and liberal use of ornamentation, enlivened with a real "in the moment" improvisational feel. ... the whole production, from Egarr's notes to the vibrant performances, has an air of good spirits and ensemble camaraderie, a situation that Handel himself certainly would have envied."
David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
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