This two-disc set of Handel's Suites performed by Andrei Gavrilov and Sviatoslav Richter is just as good as their other two-disc set of Handel's Suites but with one big advantage. Here as there, Handel's Suites are models of wit, sensitivity, affection and virtuosity. Here as there, Gavrilov's performances are fluent, muscular, and persuasive and Richter's performances are supremely expressive, wonderfully supple, and overwhelmingly commanding.
Some twenty years after the collection known as Das wohltemperierte Klavier J.S. Bach assembled his second collection of twenty-four preludes and fugues in all keys, completing one of the greatest achievements in keyboard music that today remains one of the crowning glories of the genre.
Fiorello Giraud (1868 - 1928) had a highly successful career throughout Italy and parts of South America and was well-respected both in Wagnerian and verismo roles. He will be remembered for creating the role of Canio (Pagliacci). His strong, vibrant voice was first captured on eight very rare G&T records. In 1916 and 1917, he recorded an additional 12 sides for Italian HMV, all song titles. This compilation will include all 20 of his published sides. Giovanni Batista de Negri (1850 - 1923) was particularly associated with the role of Otello, toured throughout Italy, and had a career that was cut short (1896) due to a series of operations for an unmentioned “malady.”