Divine Art Records

Composer: Georg Frideric Handel

  • Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, volumes 1-3

    Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, volumes 1-3

    This discount bundle includes three 2-CD sets, or in digital form the equivalent of six albums: all at at 25% discount off the price of buying individually.

    Gilbert Rowland is one of England’s most established and experienced harpsichordists and his recordings of Handel, Froberger and Mattheson for Divine Art and Athene have been widely praised and have proved popular with customers in many countries.

    Click on the individual CD page links to see all reviews and full tracklists

    Volume 1 (DDA 21219)
    “The standard of playing is very high indeed, with some crisp articulation, appropriately added ornamentation in the repeats and a subtly convincing application of inégalité … this is a most enjoyable recording.” – John Collins (The Consort)

    Volume 2 (DDA 21220)
    “It is impossible to praise this new release too highly. Fabulous playing.The combination of Handel, Gilbert Rowland, Wooderson’s fine harpsichord, the recording and the recording engineer John Taylor is unbeatable providing, as it does, a collection of these wonderful suites that I will return to again and again.” – Bruce Reader (The Classical Reviewer)

    Volume 3 (DDA 21225)
    “Exquisite performances by veteran musician Gilbert Rowland … splendid playing and outstanding instrument.” – John Pitt (New Classics)

  • Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 3

    Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 3

    Acknowledged without reservation as the greatest composer working in England in the 18th century, Georg Frideric Handel is revered worldwide as a master composer. His Harpsichord Suites are among the finest instrumental works of the period, we are privileged to present exquisite performances by Gilbert Rowland, one of Europe’s foremost harpsichordists. The first two volumes received very positive press reviews and this third and final installment will not disappoint in the splendid playing and excellent instrument.

    More details for Volume One and Volume Two.

  • Handel’s Recorder

    Handel’s Recorder

    Three of Australia’s leading early-music specialists recorded this album in collaboration with Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It contains four of Handel’s famed recorder sonatas in the early John Walsh edition, in exemplary performances.

    The major and most unusual work on the album is the John Walsh edition from the 1740s of the Music for the Royal Fireworks in a chamber version, arranged here for recorder and viola da gamba with harpsichord continuo. It was one of many variations of the work which were popular before the full orchestral version became the ‘norm’ at a much later date. While of short duration this is a program that is complete and has full integrity as a concert program.

  • The Harmonious Thuringian (Harpsichord)

    The Harmonious Thuringian (Harpsichord)

    Thuringia is a region of Germany in which both Bach and Handel grew up. It was here that a distinctive form of harpsichord was built, very different to most others, with a wonderful tone. This was most likely the type of intrument with which the composers were familiar. One survives and has been replicated beautifully by David Evans, this being its recording debut. Possibly we are hearing these great baroque works more accurately presented than ever before.

    Leading early-music specialist Terence Charlston plays music by the relatively young J S Bach and G F Handel and several of their contemporaries from the late 17th and very early 18th centuries.

    Charlston plays another unique instrument in 16th and 17th century music: “Mersenne’s Clavichord” DDA 25134.

  • Remembering Alfred Deller

    Remembering Alfred Deller

    Alfred Deller was ‘discovered’ by Michael Tippett, and with the supprt of Tippett, Walter Bergmann and others, re-introduced the countertenor voice to the current music repertoire. His influence cannot be overstated. This CD is a tribute to Deller by musicians who have carried on his tradition in major contributions to music both in Britain and around the globe. Music from the late 17th century to the end of the 20th, of incredible beauty and charm.

  • Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 2

    Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 2

    Acknowledged without reservation as the greatest composer working in England in the 18th century, Georg Frideric Handel is revered worldwide as a master composer. His Harpsichord Suites are among the finest instrumental works of the period, we are privileged to present exquisite performances by Gilbert Rowland, one of Europe’s foremost harpsichordists.

    Volumes One and Three are also available.

  • Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 1

    Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, Vol. 1

    Acknowledged without reservation as the greatest composer working in England in the 18th century, Georg Frideric Handel is revered worldwide as a master composer. His Harpsichord Suites are among the finest instrumental works of the period, and eight of those are presented here by Gilbert Rowland, one of Europe’s foremost harpsichordists.

    These two well-filled discs are a real bargain for such accomplished performances.

    More details for Volume Two and Volume Three.

  • Jill Crossland Live at Restoration House

    Jill Crossland Live at Restoration House

    This CD is a recording of a live concert given at Restoration House, Rochester, on the 1824 Jirikowsky fortepiano. A fine recital by a recognised baroque specialist.

  • Woodworks

    Woodworks

    For those who think the recorder is just a boring instrument for young schoolchildren, here is the proof of the opposite!

    This CD contains classic works by Handel, Vivaldi and Couperin but also new and exciting works by contemporary composers. Accompanied by a fine chamber ensemble, Australian performer Tamara Gries shows, in the words of Prof. David Tunley (University of Western Australia) that “the recorder is truly a fine and expressive instrument that finds a deserved niche in music of our own century as well as in that from earlier times”.