Hyperion Records

Concerto No 2 is scored for two oboes, one bassoon, strings and continuo. The first and third movements here are derived from Handel’s manuscript for the Brockes Passion (c1716). The scoring of the Largo is again notable for an oboe melody of exquisite beauty accompanied by two solo cellos and strings, and the fourth and fifth movements are respectively a Minuet in 3/8 time and a lively Gavotte with variations. This work seems to benefit from a slightly larger ensemble so we also doubled the wind parts in the tutti sections.

from notes by Roy Goodman © 1992