Handel was renowned throughout Europe as one of the most accomplished organists of the Baroque age. His keyboard contest with Domenico Scarlatti is famous; both were superb harpsichordists but everyone — including the proud Scarlatti — acknowledged Handel's superiority on the organ.
Handel's talent manifested itself early in his life. During a visit to the court of Saxe-Weissenfels, the eight-year-old Handel's mastery of the organ was so arresting that it captured the attention and admiration of the duke, who insisted the boy be given every opportunity to develop his extraordinary gift. Handel then studied under F. W. Zachow, organist of the Liebfrauenkirche at Halle. When he was 17 and a newly enrolled law student at the University of Halle, he was appointed to the position of organist at the Calvinist Cathedral. So ended Handel's law studies, and so began the career of one of the most celebrated musician-composers of all time.
The organ concerto is for all intents and purposes Handel's own invention. Originally intended as supplements to his famous English oratorios and often performed by Handel himself, these pieces, in addition to displaying Handel's characteristic creativity and freedom of invention, give testimony to his virtuosity on the organ and reveal his profound love of the instrument.
This volume reproduces 12 organ concerti, Opp. 4 and 7, in full score as they appeared in the authoritative Deutsche Händelgesellschaft edition. Organists, Handel enthusiasts, and lovers of fine music will delight in this remarkably affordable volume of pieces for the organ by the master organist of the Baroque age.