Handel Piano Suites and Pieces (London 1733) - Piano Solo (Henle HN 472)

“His things for clavier are incomparable, and almost indispensable to those familiar with the keyboard”, was the judgment of music theorist Johann Anton Scheibe in 1743 when discussing George Frideric Handel’s keyboard music. By making use of the Baroque master’s second printed collection of keyboard suites and single pieces of 1733, the interested pianist can paint a colourful picture. Among pieces entitled “Sonata”, “Suite”, “Prélude” or “Chaconne” within HWV 434–442 is to be found the well-known “Chaconne in G major” with its 21 variations, a work still performed in concert halls today. The player will also discover here the Aria with five graceful and playful variations that were made famous through Johannes Brahms’ own variation set. Since the collection was published in London and Amsterdam without Handel’s consent, and in a print that included many mistakes, an Urtext edition is vital for creating a reliable text. Klaus Schilde’s restrained fingerings will help overcome many problems, and open up some surprising perspectives.

Composer: George Friedrich Handel
Editor: Ellwood Derr
Format: Henle Urtext Edition, softcover
Pages: 148
Henle number: HN 472

Contents

• Piano Sonata B flat major HWV 434
• Chaconne G major HWV 435
• Suite d minor HWV 436
• Suite d minor HWV 437
• Suite e minor HWV 438
• Suite g minor HWV 439
• Suite B flat major HWV 440
• Suite G major HWV 441
• Prelude and Chaconne G major HWV 442
• Appendix: Early versions of single movements
• Appendix: Prélude - Allegro; Autograph early version HWV 434
• Appendix: Prélude - Aria von variazioni; Earlier version HWV 434
• Appendix: Minuet HWV 434
• Appendix: Chaconne; Alternative version HWV 435
• Appendix: Gigue; Alternative version HWV 438
• Appendix: Allemande; Earlier version HWV 440
• Appendix: Sarabande; Earlier version HWV 440