Graupner: Partita in A major

A recording featuring some of the finest works to emerge from the musical society of early 18th-century Hamburg, including some Handel ‘favourites’, Mattheson’s delightful 3rd suite, and a rare chance to hear the work of Graupner, incredibly prolific in his output, but not yet achieving the recognition that he deserves. The Partita on this disc demonstrates admirably how well his works sit alongside those of his more famous contemporaries.

Michele Benuzzi studied harpsichord with Ottavio Dantone and obtained the harpsichord Performing Diploma at the Royal College of Music in London. He is noted for the intelligence and sensitivity of his interpretations, and for the extraordinary tonal qualities he obtains from the harpsichord.

A contemporary of J.S. Bach and Telemann, Johann Christoph Graupner was held in great esteem during his lifetime both as a prolific composer of large vocal and orchestral works and virtuoso harpsichordist, although he is now largely forgotten.

With their considerable requirements of virtuosity Graupner’s harpsichord suites surpass Handel’s in grandeur of conception, and sometimes even match the younger man in musical substance.

His immense and flamboyant Chaconne in A major is perhaps the most superb of all the many keyboard works of the genre.