Georg Friedrich Händel

Orgelkonzert Nr. 1 g-moll op. 4/1 HWV 289

The new edition of all 16 of Handel's organ concertos by Ton Koopman has been completed. The quality of this edition has been highly praised everywhere. Source-critical responsibility goes hand in hand with high performance-practical competence when Koopman gives suggestions for interpretation of the ad libitum passages in the organ part, without overly restricting the interpreter who is interested in questions of style and his own solutions. 'I want to make an edition that is not a Koopman interpretation, but brings only what is really Handel.' However, in some places there are suggestions for playing in small engraved notes, which the critical report explains.' (Ton Koopman in 'Concerto') 'Koopman presents a largely unmarked text, thus leaving the specific performance to the performer. Special mention should be made of the very clear printing, the extensive preface and the detailed critical report.' (Katholische Kirchenmusik) Those who wish to follow the entire Koopman edition audibly may enjoy the new recording by Christian Schmitt with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra (Brilliant Classics). This recording draws for the first time on all 16 Koopman reissues.