Acclaimed harpsichordist and early music specialist Julian Perkins here presents the premiere recording of Six Suites, op. 3, by Handel's assistant, John Christopher Smith. This project seeks to reappraise Smith the composer, whose music bubbles over with brilliance, wit and charm. In his pieces, athletic hand crossings, unpredictable figurations, sudden major to minor key shifts and sequences built over repeated left-hand chords vie with one another to create music both technically demanding and theatrical. An arrangement by Handel of his Riccardo Primo overture also features.

Tracklist:

Transkriptionen Von Opernouvertüren, Hwv 456: Riccardo Primo: Overture (Version For Keyboard, Hwv 456.5)
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 1 In A Major: I. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 1 In A Major: II. Larghetto
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 1 In A Major: III. Vivace
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 2 In C Minor: I. Andante Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 2 In C Minor: II. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 2 In C Minor: III. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 3 In F Major: I. Andante Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 3 In F Major: II. Allemande
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 3 In F Major: III. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 4 In B-Flat Major: I. Andante
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 4 In B-Flat Major: II. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 4 In B-Flat Major: III. Tempo Di Gavotte
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 5 In G Major: I. Vivace
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 5 In G Major: II. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 5 In G Major: III. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 5 In G Major: IV. Minuetto - 5 Variations
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 6 In D Major: I. Cappricio [Sic]
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 6 In D Major: II. Allegro
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 6 In D Major: III. Andante Gustoso
6 Suites Of Lessons, Op. 3 No. 6 In D Major: IV. Gigue

UPC: 095115080726
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 5.26.15
Format: CD

Handel / Smith / Julian Perkins - Overture to Riccardo Primo - Six Lessons Op. 3 (CD)