AA5 - Organ concertos by Handel

The church organ in a theatrical role

A exquisite selection of Handel's concertos, written for the theatre

Organ solo, oboe/recorder, strings (7-11 performers)
With: Cor Ardesch, (church) organ

It is common knowledge that Handel composed several magnificent and accessible organ concertos. It is less known that he wrote these concertos mainly as intermission music for the theatre and improvised at his liking. A slow middle movement, as usual, is missing from the organ concerto Op. 7 No. 3, because Handel improvised this on the spot. We chose an arrangement of a lyrical movement from a concerto grosso as substitute. The oboe and solo violin duel with the organ here.

The other organ concerto on the programme is known as his harp concerto. The string sound is enriched here with that of recorders. Due to its popularity, Handel himself made a version for organ. (Or was it the other way around?)

A virtuoso concerto by Handel or a contemporary, for oboe, oboe d’amore or recorder, is played as an intermezzo. The organ plays the role of continuo instrument here.

Accademia Amsterdam performs often with the organist of the Grote Kerk at Dordrecht, Cor Ardesch. He is well-know for his performances on on the famous Bach-organ in this church. We  invite him to perform these marvellous organ concertos with us.

See for more information about the solist, the website of Cor Ardesch.

Details: This programme can be performed with or without interval, with single strings or small baroque orchestra. A local (church) organ can be used, or a portable chest organ. This programme can be executed on an organ, pitched a'=415Hz or a'=440Hz.

Duration: approx. 60’ without interval
Pricing: please, contact us to discuss the possibilities

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