Matthias Kirschnereit and the hr-Sinfonieorchester under Michael Sanderling have compiled a compelling, captivating programme of music from the last days of the Classical era, on the cusp of the Romantic. This “half-way house” – in the best possible sense – accommodates the compositions of Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Carl Maria von Weber and Felix Mendelssohn.

Larsen’s skilful string phrasing of his (non-period) players and, above all, Kirschnereit’s mellow, lightly pedalled touch adorned with discreet, tasteful ornaments combine to make this disc one of pure joy.

What…do they sound like when played on a modern concert grand? The answer is: wonderful, life-enhancing and completely convincing. But really, assuming the performers are out of the top drawer (as they are here), no one should be astonished…Kirschnereit brings rhythmic elan and a light-handed touch to the solo part. Matthias Kirschnereit performs Handel's Six Concertos for the Organ and Harpsichord, op.4 on piano. It is only now that the depth and beauty of these concertos can be heard in full!

Conclusion of a Sensational and Unprecedented Edition. We are now finally presenting to you our last CD featuring Handels organ concertos in the version for piano and orchestra. The positive response to our first two CDs in this series has shown that the transfer of the solo part of Handels organ concertos to todays piano is a logical and obvious move. Johann Sebastian Bachs harpsichord concertos belong to the standard repertoire of all world-class pianists, and the same principle truly applies to Handel.