Handel: Suites for Harpsichord, vol. 1 (2CD) Shop Now

American Record Guide

Rowland is an evenhanded and intelligent player. His ornaments are always tasteful, but it is his changes of texture that add interest and variety. Since such changes are not notated, the harpsichordist is charged with improvising them. Most often they involve moving between a dry and wet sound, or combining those two sounds to bring out one voice over the other. Rowland makes some fascinating choices that are not typical. He is not afraid to play dry arpeggios. Often the default sound on harpsichord is sustained with all notes sounding in a chord. He also seems to take delight in the sticky finger-twister fugues; although we know from the sounds he is making that it is not easy, it is not unpleasant either. Lovers of Handel’s music will appreciate Rowland’s commitment to the rich musical world of these suites.

—Shelley Katz

@divineartrecordingsgroup

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