Handel Sonatas

Keith Jarrett defers to the harpsichord in this 1991 album of George Frideric Handel’s recorder sonatas. Joined by virtuoso Michala Petri, whose perfect pitch, old soul, and modern spirit match Jarrett’s own, he brings new life to these six model jewels of the high Baroque. Whether in the Presto of the G-minor sonata or the B-flat’s Adagio (the latter played on soprano recorder), the duo digs deep to unearth fresh yet unpretentious treasures. The recording itself, captured in Jarrett’s Cavelight Studio in New Jersey, achieves a superb proportion of resplendence and intimacy.