Concertos for Organ Op.4 Nos.1-6 (HWV 289-294) (Full Score, hardback)

Handel Concertos for Organ Op.4 Nos.1-6 (HWV 289-294) (Full Score, hardback)

John Walsh’s publication of six organ concertos as Handel’s Opera Quarta in 1738 brought together works which had been written for the composer’s oratorio seasons in 1735 and 1736.  Charles Burney correctly associated Handel’s invention of the organ concerto with Lenten performances of Esther and Deborah, although he was wrong about the dates:

“And in 1732, Esther was performed at the Haymarket, Ten Nights.  In March, 1733, Deborah was first given to the public; and in April Esther was again exhibited at the same theatre.  It was during these early performances of Oratorios that HANDEL first gratified the public by the performance of CONCERTOS ON THE ORGAN, a species of Music wholly of his own invention, in which he usually introduced an extempore fugue, a diapason-piece, or an adagio, manifesting not only the wonderful fertility and readiness of his invention, but the most perfect accuracy and neatness of execution.”

The score and orchestral parts are free from the overediting found in other editions available today.  This means performers can play just exactly what Handel wrote and not what others think he meant.  In other words, you will not find trills, staccato marks and slurs sprinkled throughout the score, you will find what Handel wrote.  In this Urtext edition all editorial additions are clearly indicated.

- Urtext of the Halle Handel Edition Series IV/2

- Separate full score & parts (BA 8341 - BA 8346) available for sale