Händel: Harpsichord Suites HWV 427, 429, 430, 433

A few months ago, ECM issued a double CD with recordings of Händel's Eight Great Suites for harpsichord, played on a modern piano by Lisa Smirnova. I had never heard of this artist before. Her discography is apparently very limited. But according to her website she was barely 20 when she played in Carnegie Hall. And in 1993 she was awarded the Brahmspreis with which she is in very illustrious company indeed. These suites have been recorded over the years 2007-2009.

I've listened to the first disc of this collection numerous times over the past few weeks, in the car and on the speakers, and I must say that I'm not terribly captivated by it. To be sure, the playing is accomplished and tasteful and provides a perfect aural backdrop for all kinds of mundane tasks that do not ask for too much concentration. But there is to my mind nothing that seems to probe a little deeper and forces the listener to sit up and pay attention. And that's sadly about all I can say about it.