Handel Harpsichord Suites

Jory Vinikour, harpsichord

Jory Vinikour, one of the outstanding harpsichordists of his generation, celebrates the Handel year with a wonderful new recording of Handel’s “Great” Suites, topped off with a special version of the famous Chaconne in G Major. Jory’s Handel is unquestionably as “definitive” as his celebrated version of the Bach Goldberg Variations. The nobility, tenderness and delightful variety of each Suite speaks of Jory’s musical perspective not only as a virtuoso, but also as a conductor, opera continuist and joint recitalist in the course of his highly diversified career. The warm sound of this new Handel recording can be attributed to the instrument Jory plays, which is based on the 1739 Dresden harpsichord built by Heinrich Grabner, with its extended basses and corresponding richness of timbre. 

Praise for Jory Vinikour’s recording of the Bach Goldberg Variations (DE 3279): 2001 TOP TEN list “a definitive recording” – Chicago Tribune “a joyously spirited performance… tasteful as well as nimble, and idiomatic as well as scholarly.” – Fanfare “if you really want to aim straight for the heart of the ‘Goldberg Variations’ the harpsichord is the instrument of choice… Vinikour… is the man for this music.” – Daily Herald “even if you already own several outstanding recordings of the Goldberg Variations, do not fail to check out this one.” – Early Music America 
George Frideric Handel: (1685-1759) The Eight “Great” Suites: 
1720 Suite in A Major, HWV 426; Suite in F Major, HWV 427; Suite in D Minor, HWV 428; Suite in E Minor, HWV 429; Suite in E Major, HWV 430; Suite in F Sharp Minor, HWV 431; Suite in G Minor, HWV 432; Suite in F Minor, HWV 433; Chaconne in G Major, HWV 435