This is an exquisite piece made even more beautiful on the piano. I prefer my baroque on original instruments but here I bow down to the modern piano. Have you heard the performance by Alicia de LaRoccha... the way she plays the allemande is not to be missed.
Handel is, in my opinion, among the most difficult composers to interpret whether it be vocal, orchestral or in this case, keyboard. In other words, it's sooo very easy to get Handel wrong. It therefore pleases me to find such an exciting performance which is also meticulously rich in detail. Bravo! 5 stars, a perfect 10 and a big thumbs up!
I think the reverse. Handel, even if not played perfectly, still comes through and can bring joy or whatever effect the master intended unless it's mangled by bloated instrumentation or romanticized interpretations. Though I will admit this performance has spoiled me to other interpretations and the piano adds depth and emotional expansion as compared to even the best harpsichord versions.
@@AbdelOveAllhan Interesting take on Handel. It's great to hear a different opinion, and I agree with much of what you said. In the end, I guess it's a personal, subjective thing, right? Plus, I play a lot of Handel keyboard works so my expectations are way different than for works I haven't yet played. I'm sure you know what I mean!
Such delicacy, exquisite lightness of touch and contrast. An absolute privilege to be able to hear such mastery and sublime skill. Bravo and thank you for making the online world that little bit more charming with your talent.
This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music. I have listened to countless of versions of it and I frequently play it myself on my harpsichord. Your performance really brings something special. I can really feel the love for the music in the treatment of each and every note, from the prelude to the final variation. So thank you for playing this for us!
Fazioli is fantastic. Tried one - once! Told the shopkeeper, that I felt honored by such an experience. I have - through my club - access to a Feurich grand. It feels like velvet, silk -- and power!
Another exquisite detail: the repetition of Var. 5 of the Air, with the blazing 32nd notes played pianissimo, is a jewel. To play that fast, with such articulation and expression, and so very quietly--this is magisterial. In this performance I feel some of the serenity and crystalline precision of Richter, and some of the brio and playfulness of de Larrocha. But in no way do I mean that this interpretation is derivative of other pianists. This Handel is pure Aimontche!!
Beautiful touch, great emotion, flawless technique, elastic tempi. »empfindsam« through and through. The way you celebrate the last repetition added a new facet to my imagination about repetitions in old music... I am so much impressed and satisfied with this....
Hi Gerard..thank you for your lovely beautiful performance.. I always enjoy listening to your playing.. I'm expert in classical music but am able to appreciate most of it..and I love the Harmonios.. greetings from Malaysia 💗
I go on a beautiful journey in my head and heart every time I listen to you playing this piece, which is one of my favourites. Each time, I discover something new that I didn't notice before. Your interpretation is breath-taking! Thank you!
Wow, I love this!! I’m currently trying to learn The Harmonious Blacksmith and it’s proving to be quite tricky! Been looking all over for an interpretation to do it justice and I think I’ve found it here with yours. Bravo!!!
This is a beautiful performance. The fluidity of the phrasing is extraordinary. It breathes! It makes so many other performances seem plodding and unmusical. I don't think I have ever heard this piece played with such musical sensitivity.
Quite an outstanding interpretation. Everything feels right - tempo, phrasing and tone. It's my favourite version next to Robert Aldwinkles' much earlier recording.
Oh my! Such beautifully sensitive playing, of which Mr Handel would most assuredly have approved. What better way to start the day? Coffee, almond croissants and Suite No. 5 in E major!
I listen to this quite often and I never cease to be amazed that people would indicate a "thumbs down" for this beautiful rendition. Are they brain-dead or what?
It is beautifully played, but hate to tell you, some people may put a thumbs down merely because they are offended that he is not playing a harpsichord, or something trivial like that.
Love this so much I'm back again for another listen! Have lost track of how many times I have been back to this. I downloaded the sheet music from IMSLP Petrucci and am chopping off the bass clef so that I can arrange to play on the flute. Doesn't take too much work for that. Takes time, that's all. In my next incarnation I will learn to play the piano, which I have always wanted to do since childhood (I am now 75).
Very beautiful ....The Faizioli has a direct sound ...I think suited for Baroque music..You added the E 1 which is not in the score...When improvising I’d add the B 0 too....:)
I loved your interpretation. Tasteful, genuine and clean. I often wondered what can be done so that these suites sound like Handel, not so strongly reference to Bach. Also, I enjoyed the extra repeat in Var. 5.
Exactly. The problem is that performers often drop the repeat, as they do in many Baroque works--sometimes just to cram all the pieces together on one album within some time constraint.
I don't know how one could mistake Handel for Bach. Handel's music is very much a living, breathing thing whereas much of Bach is technique and form over function leaving it somewhat bloodless. I would say Bach is at his best with the organ works, ironically. The irony is that he makes a beast that doesn't breathe, as Igor S. said into a living giant in works like the St.Anne's Prelude and fugue. Handel outshone Bach in almost every aspect of composition...except for the mighty pedal organ.
As a 1960s child, my Handel harpsichord suites of Christopher Wood on vinyl were played to death. Those old LPs don't sound so good now, though his performance remains excellent. Gerard Aimontche adds even more ornaments and does it perfectly, though the first recorded version of anything is always what you remember, somehow.
WOW! I'm sitting here listening, transfixed by your interpretation. Then I suddenly realized that this was performed all in ONE take and memorized! Bravo! I hope your listeners realize just how special this is. Amazing! Do you ever perform in Canada?
I am spending several hours listening to different versions of this exquisite piece. He brings it alive.
This is an exquisite piece made even more beautiful on the piano. I prefer my baroque on original instruments but here I bow down to the modern piano. Have you heard the performance by Alicia de LaRoccha... the way she plays the allemande is not to be missed.
Wow! A more splendid rendition of this suite you will never find. Such passion and expertise. Bravo.
thank you so much from my bottom of my heart. I'm having a hard time these days, and your music heals me.
This is really such an outstanding performance. Wonderful phrasing, elegance, and lightness of touch.
Handel is, in my opinion, among the most difficult composers to interpret whether it be vocal, orchestral or in this case, keyboard. In other words, it's sooo very easy to get Handel wrong. It therefore pleases me to find such an exciting performance which is also meticulously rich in detail. Bravo! 5 stars, a perfect 10 and a big thumbs up!
I think the reverse. Handel, even if not played perfectly, still comes through and can bring joy or whatever effect the master intended unless it's mangled by bloated instrumentation or romanticized interpretations. Though I will admit this performance has spoiled me to other interpretations and the piano adds depth and emotional expansion as compared to even the best harpsichord versions.
@@AbdelOveAllhan Interesting take on Handel. It's great to hear a different opinion, and I agree with much of what you said. In the end, I guess it's a personal, subjective thing, right? Plus, I play a lot of Handel keyboard works so my expectations are way different than for works I haven't yet played. I'm sure you know what I mean!
Back again. This is so restful and uplifting. Love the music and the interpretation.
Such delicacy, exquisite lightness of touch and contrast. An absolute privilege to be able to hear such mastery and sublime skill. Bravo and thank you for making the online world that little bit more charming with your talent.
Revisiting yet again! I need the peace and tranquility of this superb playing.
This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music. I have listened to countless of versions of it and I frequently play it myself on my harpsichord. Your performance really brings something special. I can really feel the love for the music in the treatment of each and every note, from the prelude to the final variation. So thank you for playing this for us!
Listen here: th-cam.com/video/64C4nL2VNKA/w-d-xo.html
Simply wonderful! I'm back again listening to this splendid recording.
I'd never heard of this piece until last week when I heard it on Classic F.M. It is now one of my favourite pieces of music 😀❤️
This is officially my new favorite piece to listen to right now! Especially because of your interpretation of the piece! THANK YOU!
Bravissimo!! The best piano Handel!!
Il migliore Handel al pianoforte che io abbia mai sentito!!!
This is an exceptional performance! I especially love the tone of the Fazioli.
Fazioli is fantastic. Tried one - once! Told the shopkeeper, that I felt honored by such an experience.
I have - through my club - access to a Feurich grand. It feels like velvet, silk -- and power!
TO MY EIGHTY YEAR OLD EARS YOUR PERFORMANCE OF THIS PIECE IS UNRIVALLED ..F. SHEER PERFECTION.
Another exquisite detail: the repetition of Var. 5 of the Air, with the blazing 32nd notes played pianissimo, is a jewel. To play that fast, with such articulation and expression, and so very quietly--this is magisterial.
In this performance I feel some of the serenity and crystalline precision of Richter, and some of the brio and playfulness of de Larrocha. But in no way do I mean that this interpretation is derivative of other pianists. This Handel is pure Aimontche!!
What a beautiful touch. Thank you.
From 06:55 moves me to tears.. the most beautiful piano I've ever listened to. Thanks bro.
This really is something special. Amazing musicianship
Haveheard it numerous times. Exellent playing!
I listen to this every day, you are the best Gerard Aimontche, the lightest fingers, the interpretation oh my
Un intérprete excepcional. Desconocido por su juventud, contundente por la exquisitez de su digitación.
Beautiful touch, great emotion, flawless technique, elastic tempi. »empfindsam« through and through. The way you celebrate the last repetition added a new facet to my imagination about repetitions in old music... I am so much impressed and satisfied with this....
Exquisite, elegant, compassionate! You handle this giant instrument so well, making it purr rather than roar....like petting and soothing a lion.
I keep revisiting. Just can't help myself!
Such positivity! Love this ; thank you.
молодец!!!! Superb performance. Your ornamentation (both your execution of what's in Handel's score, and your own additions) is a thing of beauty.
Marvelous, what a feeling for the baroque. Fresh!!!!
Hi Gerard..thank you for your lovely beautiful performance.. I always enjoy listening to your playing.. I'm expert in classical music but am able to appreciate most of it..and I love the Harmonios.. greetings from Malaysia 💗
you are such a master of touching breathing and finest elegance.you deserve no less than that finest grand Fazzioli
Love every interpretation of the HB.
This one is a new favourite.
This is so beautiful and uplifting. Have always loved this Handel work, and you play it so beautifully. Thanks for posting.
Elegant and refined performance!!
I am so touched by your beautiful sound and phrases!!!!!!
Замечательное исполнение Генделя! Пианист с великолепным чувством стиля и утонченным пианизмом! Браво!
I go on a beautiful journey in my head and heart every time I listen to you playing this piece, which is one of my favourites. Each time, I discover something new that I didn't notice before. Your interpretation is breath-taking! Thank you!
Sublime. Perfection. Thank you.
Wonderful, beautiful playing
Beautiful musician, beautiful performance.
I wrote this comment a year ago, and just came back to this performance again. it is still just as wonderful.
I needed this! Heart-stopping beauty... infinite thanks!
Thank you for your sharing again your unbelievable performance ! Congrats Gerard.
Gerard, somehow I lost this beautiful interpretation & have found it again, smiling big time !!
Wow, I love this!! I’m currently trying to learn The Harmonious Blacksmith and it’s proving to be quite tricky!
Been looking all over for an interpretation to do it justice and I think I’ve found it here with yours. Bravo!!!
Such beautiful playing. Amazing.
Unbelievably good! Phantastic technique!
Such grace and consideration ...what an inspiring performance
Thank you
What an incredible experience, thank you for this performance!
This is a beautiful performance. The fluidity of the phrasing is extraordinary. It breathes! It makes so many other performances seem plodding and unmusical. I don't think I have ever heard this piece played with such musical sensitivity.
What a great interpreter ! Thanks.
Your technique is very flawless, marvelous interpretation. Thank you for your artistry 🙏🏻
Oh wow the best interpretation in the history of interpretations. There’s my over inflated comment to match the rest 😂
A really fine performance and touch. Thank.
GREAT !!!!!!
You are a great interpreter Gerard!!! I like a lot Fazioli pianos, bright clear lovely sound....if only they didn't cost a kidney.....😭
A kidney isn't THAT expensive.
Très belle interprétation, merci !!👑👑
Just a pleasure to watch and listen. Truly inspired me to want to this work.
Quite an outstanding interpretation. Everything feels right - tempo, phrasing and tone. It's my favourite version next to Robert Aldwinkles' much earlier recording.
Exceptional... What a great siund!
Wonderful composer (Georg F. Haendel), wonderful player (Gerard Aimontche), wonderful piano (Fazioli). The sound is clean and pure.😍
Absolutely beautiful performance. Dave
Oh my! Such beautifully sensitive playing, of which Mr Handel would most assuredly have approved. What better way to start the day? Coffee, almond croissants and Suite No. 5 in E major!
Amazing performance!! So impressed!!
Allemande 1:55
Courante 5:25
Air 6:55
Double 7:50
Great playing!
I didn't know there were more parts to this. I only heard the Air and 5 variations.
I listen to this quite often and I never cease to be amazed that people would indicate a "thumbs down" for this beautiful rendition. Are they brain-dead or what?
It is beautifully played, but hate to tell you, some people may put a thumbs down merely because they are offended that he is not playing a harpsichord, or something trivial like that.
Absolutely brilliant
wow this musc is sooo relaxing
I LOVE THIS INTERPRETATION
I just loved it! I played this suite a long time ago and I'm back to it now. Your ornaments have inspired me and gave me some ideas.
Congratulations!
Maravillosa interpretación!
Nos deslumbra con el tema del armonioso herrero !
Beautifully played..
Magnificent!
Love this so much I'm back again for another listen! Have lost track of how many times I have been back to this. I downloaded the sheet music from IMSLP Petrucci and am chopping off the bass clef so that I can arrange to play on the flute. Doesn't take too much work for that. Takes time, that's all. In my next incarnation I will learn to play the piano, which I have always wanted to do since childhood (I am now 75).
Brilliant! I like your mannerisms when you play
I love this!
Very beautiful ....The Faizioli has a direct sound ...I think suited for Baroque music..You added the E 1 which is not in the score...When improvising I’d add the B 0 too....:)
BRAVÍSIMO!
I loved your interpretation. Tasteful, genuine and clean. I often wondered what can be done so that these suites sound like Handel, not so strongly reference to Bach. Also, I enjoyed the extra repeat in Var. 5.
There's no "extra" repeat - that is how its written.
Exactly. The problem is that performers often drop the repeat, as they do in many Baroque works--sometimes just to cram all the pieces together on one album within some time constraint.
I don't know how one could mistake Handel for Bach. Handel's music is very much a living, breathing thing whereas much of Bach is technique and form over function leaving it somewhat bloodless. I would say Bach is at his best with the organ works, ironically. The irony is that he makes a beast that doesn't breathe, as Igor S. said into a living giant in works like the St.Anne's Prelude and fugue. Handel outshone Bach in almost every aspect of composition...except for the mighty pedal organ.
Handel's voice is immediate, present, in the room. Living. Happy 338th GFH
Beautiful!
JUST AMAZING!
I love the right hand flourish at the end at the 11: 23 mark
great .this is really good :)
Beautiful!!♥️
Fantastic interpretation
Amazing!
Dejlig blød og meget følsom og personlig musik. Det kan jeg lide.......
* sorry..I meant I am NOT expert in classical pieces..but enjoy listening to it and do practice playing some simple classical pieces on the piano..☺️
As a 1960s child, my Handel harpsichord suites of Christopher Wood on vinyl were played to death. Those old LPs don't sound so good now, though his performance remains excellent. Gerard Aimontche adds even more ornaments and does it perfectly, though the first recorded version of anything is always what you remember, somehow.
Lovely !
7:50 2nd
3:40 smoothly perfect🙌🙌
Can you make a synthesia video of that, i want to learn this part😀
個人的お気に入り(bookmark)
6:56 ～
👍🌟💛 Brilliant.
WOW! I'm sitting here listening, transfixed by your interpretation. Then I suddenly realized that this was performed all in ONE take and memorized! Bravo! I hope your listeners realize just how special this is. Amazing! Do you ever perform in Canada?
Arrasou!
It makes you feel like giving up
This is so beautifully played.....like talking back and forth.
gorgeous performance! Bravo!
8:40 trills are crrrriiisssP