"As Andrew Manze remarks in the liner note for this album, the sonata was perhaps "but a toy theatre in Handel's world of architectural splendours." Indeed, the eight sonatas, with the addition of two independent movements, provide an insight into a world far removed from the imposing, monumental Handelian works known to many listeners. But these works are by no means a lesser manifestation of the composer's genius. In fact, from the imaginatively compelling fast movements to the meditative melodiousness of the introductory movements, these remarkable works provide the listener with a valuable and memorable insight into the rich -- and sometimes surprising -- musical mind of one of Baroque music's true giants. When discussing these sonatas, scholars make much of Handel's indebtedness to Corelli. While Corelli's influence is undeniable, one should heed Bukofzer's observation that in "many allegro movements, Handel easily surpasses Corelli by his superb handling of lightly fugal textures and his complete mastery of the concerto style." Andrew Manze's artistry beautifully captures the Baroque richness of these works, adapting his instrument's protean voice to the many complexities and contrasts inherent in Handel's musical discourse. Elegant, tastefully expressive, and drawing an unexpected fullness and raw volume from a finely controlled tone, Manze also masterfully expands his instrument's sound potential in an effort -- particularly in certain allegro movements -- to discern the composer's dramatic intentions. As an accompanist, harpsichordist Richard Egarr is the quintessential distant presence, a discreet but essential interlocutor in a musical dialogue in which the two voices essentially blend to create a unitary aesthetic experience."(AllMusic)
What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIV)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2017
On the eve of a new year, it's time for a new thread.
Last year's thread can be found here:
1988 - vinyl - German (1989) pressing...
Ex Bad Seeds member early work...
Released 2002 - I’ve been in a Mark Eitzel mood recently and this album doesn’t disappoint. ????
Playing on Compact Disc on Naxos Records - very relaxing and a very good recording
The Reverend Gary Davis - At Newport.
A great shout from Dan Steel, and endorsed by NigelB, this just plopped through the letterbox, now ripped and streaming on my
"only just listenable" NDS. 
A quite brilliant album which displays the Reverend's impeccable finger picking guitar style, and powerful vocals.
Robert Johnson - The Complete Recordings.
Started the morning with some blooze, so what better to continue with than this one from Robert, who left behind a musical legacy
which continues to influence and inspire.
dave marshall posted:Started the morning with some blooze.....
I misread that at first, and thought, 'hey, rock n roll, that's our Dave'
CD rip
PLaying on Cassette on Maxell ULS C60 - Very nice solo album from 1973 from Gene Clark from The Byrds
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School of Seven Bells. ALPINISMS. 2008
From the Ghostly International label.
The Tubes - The Completion Backward Principle.
They were totally bonkers, but there's no denying that they turned out some really great music, and this is their finest work, IMHO
.................. talk to ya later! (sorry 
).
Released 2014 - Don’t yer just love this guy. ????
Bruce Springsteen - "Nebraska" (1982) not a big fan of Bruce, but his quieter albums (this, Tom Joad, and Devils & Dust) get played from time to time. Been too long since I played this one.
Now Playing..............
JULIIAN PRIESTER PEP0 MTOTO
Julian Priester (trombones, horns, whistle flute, syntheziers), Pat Gleeson (syntheziers), Hadley Caliman (flute, saxophones, bass clarinet), Bayete Umbra Zindiko (pianos, clavinet), Nyimbo Henry Franklin (basses), Ndugu Leon Chancler (drums), Mguanda David Johnson (flute, soprano saxophone), Kamau Eric Gravatt (drums, congas) and Bill Connors (electric guitar).
Streaming on NAS.......... I picked this up over the three day holiday weekend and it certainly is a perfect morning wake up album! A fun group of musicians have a lot of instruments and sounds flowing, a foot tapping groove which has me already smiling and getting me motivated to face the day. Some mornings I want it slow and easy and other days I enjoy the quicker pace and rhythm, this is nice, ......very, very nice!
Fancied something ethereal...
Leonard Cohen - "I'm Your Man" (1988)
Yes Tales from Topographic Oceans - Playing on Compact Disc in it's entirety - Still don't know what it's about and it's quite weired in places but also very good on some sides
Now Playing...............
John Surman & Jack DeJohnette - Invisible Nature (Live in Tampere and Berlin)
John Surman (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, synthesizers) and Jack DeJohnette (drums, electronic percussion, piano).
Streaming on NAS......... another pick up from this long weekend, ripped and now streaming and sounding mighty fine! There is some might sweet music being produced by this duet! Another fine day...........
Mane (violin) & Eggar (harpsichord) from 2005: