Handel’s harpsichords revisited Part II: Handel’s domestic harpsichords

Abstract The harpsichords supposedly owned or played by Handel have long been the subject of scholarly enquiry, in recent years mainly to try match their compasses and disposition his solo music, a strategy also used, for instance, with instruments associated J. S. Bach Mozart. Similarly, Grant O’Brien, John Koster others tried determine how Ruckers-family might used play early 17th-century keyboard music. In Part I this article (in last Early Music) discussed six Ruckers followers 18th 19th centuries, three which can be identified surviving instruments. argued that favoured them partly because they had cachet equivalent Amati violins, he directing oratorios at Covent Garden, where small instrument brilliant tone would an asset crowded performing area. second part focus on five plucked said Handel, apparently him home, accompanying rehearsals, music friends private practice. Not all claims made total eleven stand up scrutiny, as we shall see, but surprising number traced back milieu, argue composer needed large varied activities composer, virtuoso, teacher musical director.