Continuo Playing According to Handel: His Figured Bass Exercises (Oxford Early Music Series)

This book is an edition, with commentary, of Handel's exercises for continuo playing which he wrote for the daughters of King George II. These exercises have not until now been available in a form designed for instructive use. They take the learner in a clear and logical progression from the most basic chords to advanced realization, including fugal improvisation. But unlike the examples and exercises provided in the majority of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century continuo tutors they are also unfailingly stimulating musically, and very gratifying to play. The exercises are supplemented by Ledbetter's clear and concise commentary, and an appendix provides suggested realizations This book comprises an edition, with commentary, of Handel's exercises for continuo playing which he wrote for the daughters of George II. Remaining faithful to the source, this is a useful book for students and performers of the music of Handel and his contemporaries.