Search - George Frederick Handel, Paul Wolfe :: Handel: Keyboard Music, Suites 3, 13, 11, 14, 15, & 8

HOT HANDEL ON A HOT HARPSICHORD BY A HOT HARPSICHORDIST!!!

Mikey | Santa Fe | 11/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since hearing all of these FABULOUS recordings on truly modern harpsichords with 16' and pedals, I just can't stand to hear historically based instruments any more.



On this recording,made in 1958, originally made for Experiences Anonymes, Paul Wolfe is playing his then-brand-new Rutkowski and Robinette Harpsichord(Mr. Wolfe was actually Rutkowski and Robinette's FIRST customer as you'll read in the liner notes). The instrument has, in addition to the standard 2x8',1 x4' with coupler disposition, an absolutely THRILLING 16' register, as well as a nasale and buff stop on the upper 8' manual. It is all controlled by 7 pedals.



Handel, usually so chipper and gay in his writing, is very dark in many of the suites recorded. The opening prelude of the D minor suite on disc one just blows you away under Wolfe's fingers, especially with that leonine 16' kickin' arse and takin' names! And the rythmic bite is to die for! No pussy-footing around the keys for Wolfe. He lays into his harpsichord and shows it who's boss!!



And in the slow movements--ah such sublime playing, it makes me think of Wolfe's teacher, Wanda Landowska(That's right! Wolfe studied with her from 1950 to 1959!). And in the slow movements, Wolfe usually opts for the back 8' which is absolutely heavenly! You have to listen closely to remind yourself that Rutkowksi's beautifully voiced back 8'is in fact a harpsichord and not a guitar!



Buy this album and disocver truly GREAT Harpsichord playing. When Landowska said she endeavoured to make the music of the past LIVE again, this is what she meant by that! Viva Musique Ancienne! and Long Live the Old School of Harpsichord Playing!"