Bach / Handel: Harp Concertos

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with Nicanor Zabaleta's "Bach / Handel: Harp Concertos." This timeless album, released on January 1, 2000, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, showcases the virtuoso skills of Zabaleta, a renowned harpist, as he masterfully arranges and performs concertos originally composed for other instruments. The album spans a rich hour and five minutes, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, meticulously adapted for the harp and accompanied by a full orchestra.

The collection includes three concertos by Bach, each arranged from Vivaldi's compositions, and two concertos by Handel, along with an additional harp concerto. Zabaleta's arrangements breathe new life into these classical pieces, highlighting the harp's unique timbre and expressive range. The album opens with Bach's Concerto in F major, BWV 978, followed by a Concerto in C major, BWV 976, and a Concerto in G major, BWV 973. Each concerto is divided into three movements, offering a dynamic and varied listening experience.

Handel's contributions to the album include the Organ Concerto No. 10 in D minor, Op. 7 No. 4 HWV 309, and the Organ Concerto No. 5 in F, Op. 4 No. 5 HWV 293, both expertly adapted for the harp. The album concludes with Handel's Harp Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 6, HWV 294, a piece that showcases Zabaleta's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

"Bach / Handel: Harp Concertos" is a testament to Nicanor Zabaleta's artistry and his ability to reinterpret classical masterpieces. This album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone seeking to explore the rich, resonant world of the harp.