Handel: Keyboard Suites (Suites de pièce) Vol. 1, HWV 426-433

ECM New Series debut for the exceptional Russian-born pianist Lisa Smirnova, playing Handel’s Eight Great Suites (1720), also known as “The Eight London Suites” or “Suites de Pièces pour le Clavecin” – by any name, major pieces in the keyboard literature. Outstanding artists from Glenn Gould to Keith Jarrett have been drawn to these suites, but there are very few recordings of all eight, either on piano or harpsichord, currently on the market. Smirnova opts for the modern piano. She had been working rigorously on the Suites for five years prior to undertaking this recording, making many discoveries.

The 1720 edition of Suites – HWV 426-433 – is considered by many the most important collection of Handel’s early works. Published by the composer himself, it includes works from both his Hamburg and English periods, all extensively revised by the composer, right through the printing process.

Educated at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the Salzburg Mozarteum, and with Maria Curcio and Robert Levin, Smirnova (born in Moscow, currently living in Austria) burst onto the classical scene in 1992 with a well-received debut at Carnegie Hall when she was only 20. In 1993, she received the Brahms Prize at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, the first pianist ever to be honoured with this award, and her concert activities have extended to international concert podia in Europe, Asia and the USA. She has a long relationship with the Far East – since 2007 she has been Artistic Director of the Nagasaki-Ojika International Music Festival.

Smirnova’s repertoire extends across the centuries – she has collaborated with contemporary composers including Kancheli, Silvestrov and Rihm, and won international awards for her recordings of Bach on MDG. Other widely-praised recordings include her account of Bloch’s works for viola and piano with Daniel Raiskin, on BMG/Arte Nova.

NB Suite Nos. 1, 4 & 6 played by Andrei Gavrilov (piano)

Ragna Schirmer plays the 1720 and 1733 keyboard suites on a modern concert grand piano.

"All these finely recorded performances are models of musical grace and resilience." Gramophone July 2008

Handel’s harpsichord music may have languished in the shadow of Bach’s more famed mastery of the instrument, but as these new recordings and scholarly notes by Michael Borgstede show, such comparisons are invidious. Handel was known as a superb keyboard player, and these dance suites exploit the expressive and technical resources of his instrument with no less mastery than that of his Leipzig counterpart, and with a joie de vivre that makes listening a constant diversion and delight. There are very few rival sets of this music on record, and Borgstede has made an important contribution to what will be the worldwide celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death in 2009.

Recorded in 2008.

Extensive booklet notes by the performer.

Scott Ross "Exemplary style … a fine set" Penguin Guide 2008